In 2022, for
the first time in history, the private sector
launched more tonnage into space than the
world's governments, and SpaceX's Starlink
broadband constellation is the most important
reason why.
SpaceX's broadband
satellites had to change trajectory more than
25,000 times between December 2022 and May 2023
to avoid potential collisions, double the number
of maneuvers in the previous six months .
Since 2019, the total
number of maneuvers has exceeded 50,000
movements.
According to ESA estimates
in its latest Space Environment Report,
low-Earth orbit will be cluttered with more than
50,000 objects larger than 10 cm by 2100.
"By combining advanced
detection capabilities with cutting-edge data
analysis techniques, Share My Space enables
proactive measures to be launched to protect
satellite operations. This valuable information
enables satellite operators and space agencies
to make informed decisions on avoidance
maneuvers and mission planning, while avoiding
unnecessary energy-intensive operations" -
Alexis Petit, CTO of Share My Space.
Share My Space, a young
space company with a vision for Europe and the
world.
Share My Space, a young
French entreprise pioneering the space security
ecosystem, envisions a bold future for the world
in space through the use of independent,
reliable commercial data for space surveillance.
Faced with the growing challenges posed by the
increasing number of satellites, rocket launches
and the large amount of debris in orbit, the
need for independent, reliable data is
fundamental. Share My Space's orbital
information techniques, powered by
state-of-the-art sensors, enable accurate and
efficient tracking, monitoring and protection of
space assets.
Founded in 2017, Share My
Space has been selected by the France 2030
investment plan in the space sector. The
company's patented technologies include the
MTOS, a multi-telescope observation station.
Share My Space has two MTOS stations in France
and one in Morocco, with a future target of six
operational MTOS stations.
By actively monitoring
space debris and collision risks, Share My Space
helps satellite operators and space agencies to
manage threats and adjust orbital trajectories.
Protecting space assets not only ensures the
provision of essential services, but also avoids
disruptions that can have serious economic and
societal consequences. Share My Space's
commitment to safeguarding space assets plays an
essential role in ensuring a prosperous and
secure future for Europe, with increased
strategic autonomy.
Romain Lucken, co-founder
and CEO of Share My Space, regularly refers to
the political will to regulate Space: "There is
public awareness and support for regulating
Space, and regulations are being discussed and
monitored internationally - Share My Space has
become one of the promoters of this regulation
for better management of space traffic in Europe
and worldwide. We make this possible by
observing and analyzing data, so that regulators
can finally understand what's going on up there.
This service enables satellite operators to
resolve anomalies and anticipate collisions".
The process for meeting
this challenge has already been identified.
First, detection services identify objects of
concern so that they can be tracked. Next,
satellite and launch vehicle operators use this
data to protect existing assets and limit
pollution. Finally, in-orbit service providers
reduce existing risks and remove the most
problematic objects. Share My Space actively
participates in the first two aspects of this
action, thanks to its proprietary sensors and
orbital information system. Share My Space also
supports active debris removal services. Share
My Space's mission is to protect space assets
and guarantee the viability of space operations.
Share My Space
multi-telescope observation stations are a
modular optical system that enables the
detection, tracking and characterization of all
space objects in view, in all orbits. Thanks to
powerful on-board processing algorithms, it
constantly scans the sky.
How does it work ?
Our system consists of 4
passive telescopes, located at the same
observation site, rotating synchronously. Their
rotation speed is coordinated with the transit
time of objects in the field of view to ensure
that all space objects are detected, even at low
altitudes of up to 300 km. Each telescope has
its own remote-controlled mount, meaning that
all 4 telescopes can also be controlled
independently to further track and characterize
specific objects.
Monitoring patterns can be
modified throughout the night to capture objects
in the most efficient way. Precise preliminary
orbits are obtained using just a few images
captured within seconds of each other. We
exploit this data to obtain precise orbit
estimates and detect maneuvers.
Our multi-source system
catalog provides daily orbital data on a range
of space objects, including measurements,
preliminary orbits, adjusted orbits and
potential orbital maneuver detection. Our
catalog also includes information such as the
visible magnitude and rotation speed of certain
objects. As the number of stations and the size
of telescopes increase, so does the size of our
catalog.
ESA and the "zero debris"
approach.
The "zero debris" approach
was proposed to the ESA Council at ministerial
level in 2022, and received strong support from
member states. This new objective is a key
element in the successful implementation of
ESA's Agenda 2025 and the new PROTECT gas pedal.
The "zero debris" approach reinforces ESA's
efforts within the framework of the space
security program and the associated "Clean
Space" initiative.
The "zero debris" approach
describes a series of actions and initiatives
designed to help ESA take a strategic and
proactive approach to safeguarding our space
environment for future generations.
Zero debris: the need to
meet stricter and more ambitious requirements
for space debris reduction.
The world-leading "zero
debris" approach will not only protect satellite
operations and the safety of human life on
Earth, but also ensure that all nations enjoy
the benefits of space activities for many years
to come.
In practice, this means
cleaning up and keeping clean our precious space
environment, and reducing the impact of our
activities on the environment. The Agency is now
inviting all European space professionals to
discuss the latest developments, best practices
and trends in the fields of eco-design of space
activities, end-of-life management of space
missions and in-orbit servicing, including the
disposal of active debris.
Clean Space Industry Days
(CSID) 2023 is a must-attend event for all space
professionals and enthusiasts working on the
design and realization of sustainable space
missions! This year's event will take place from
October 16 to 20 at the European Space Research
and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the
Netherlands.
|