Current estimates indicate there are 29,000
objects in space 4 inches or bigger traveling
more than 16,000 mph. There are also about
166 million pebble-sized pieces on orbit.
1
If any two objects in space collide, many
smaller pieces of debris are created and
require tracking. Space debris of any size
creates a risk to Maxar's satellites on orbit
and the spacecraft we manufacture
for customers.
PROBLEM
Space influences ever y part of our lives,
from weather forecasts to navigation
instructions and banking transactions. It is
imperative that space operators keep this
environment safe for future generations. At
Maxar, we participate in debris management
and collision avoidance activities to do our part
to protect space, and we also advocate for the
industr y to do the same.
IMPACT
In a blog post, Maxar CTO Dr. Walter Scott expands upon the Space Safety Coalition's "Best Practices for Sustainability of Space
Operations" by advocating for the creation of an "experimental orbit" that's 400 km above Earth and lower. This will allow space
operators to protect the humans on the International Space Station, which orbits at 403 km, and this orbit has enough atmospheric
drag to be "self-cleaning."
1. Fletcher, K. Space Debris: The ESA Approach. European Space Agency, ISBN 978-92-9221-104-2, 2017.
LEADING ADVOCACY FOR SUSTAINABLE SPACE OPERATIONS
AND SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS
Implements new technologies and consults with other LEO actors to manage
space as a critical natural resource and national security interest
Impact
Report
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maxar.com/impactreport
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