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Povak giving his keynote address to the Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium<\/p>\nA dramatic rise in the number of satellites in orbit is increasing the amount of space debris, posing a critical threat to the capabilities of America\u2019s national space systems.<\/p>\n
During his keynote address to the Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium hosted by the Purdue University Policy Research Institute, Maj. Gen. Chris Povak, deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), warned of the ongoing risks of building space debris.<\/p>\n
Povak giving his keynote address to the Space Policy, Science, and Technology Symposium<\/p>\n
\u201cThe future gets more complex, not less. More satellites, more debris, more competition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cManaging these challenges simultaneously continues to be priority number one for this community, to ensure that we continue to fulfil our mission to the American people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some space debris is so small it can\u2019t be tracked<\/p>\n
With space becoming increasingly congested over the past two decades, Povak explained, there are hundreds of thousands of objects in orbit \u2013 including many that are less than 10 centimetres in diameter and too small to track reliably \u2013 that could damage or even destroy a satellite.<\/p>\n
According to the U.S. Space Force, more than 80 nations operate satellites in space<\/a> \u2013 a number that has doubled in the past 20 years, enabled by access to advanced technologies, more efficient commercial production methods, and dramatically lower launch costs.<\/p>\n The number of satellites in orbit has grown tenfold over the past decade \u2013 from about 1,400 satellites in orbit in 2016 to more than 14,000 today. Tens of thousands of satellites are expected to be in orbit in the coming years.<\/p>\n Over 48,000 trackable objects in orbit<\/p>\n The U.S. Space Force\u2019s Combat Forces Command reports there are currently about 48,000 trackable objects, meaning debris that is 10 centimetres or larger in low-earth orbit and one meter or larger in geostationary orbit, where some of our nation\u2019s most strategically significant spacecraft reside.<\/p>\n Complicating the challenge is the increase in \u201cdebris-creating events.\u201d<\/p>\n For example, in 2007, a Chinese anti-satellite test generated more than 3,000 pieces of trackable debris; a 2021 Russian anti-satellite test produced 1,500 pieces of trackable debris.<\/p>\n A commitment to responsible and safe space operations<\/p>\n Given the magnitude of the problem, detecting and avoiding space debris is a critical focus area for the NRO.<\/p>\n Povak said: \u201cOur commitment to responsible space operations is fundamental to our mission assurance and our role as stewards of the space environment.\u201d<\/p>\n The NRO will work with commercial partners to harden satellite construction, enhance autonomy and manoeuvrability, and innovate end-of-life processes for spacecraft.<\/p>\n How the NRO is helping this commitment<\/p>\n The NRO is also applying its decades-long legacy of innovation to strengthening the nation\u2019s space-domain awareness and debris detection.<\/p>\n It partnered with the Space Force to develop SILENTBARKER<\/a> \u2013 multiple space vehicles in geostationary orbit that offer a \u201cneighbourhood watch\u201d capability. It is also developing a quantum magnetometer sensor testbed to support space-debris detection and precision navigation \u2013 enabling assets to assess risks and avoid collisions with space debris.<\/p>\n The organisation also participates in national and international dialogues on space sustainability and complies with orbital debris mitigation standards<\/a> set by the Department of War, the National Security Council, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and NASA \u2013 ensuring the safety of every system from launch through operations to ultimate disposal.<\/p>\n