Enhancing Space Safety: The Call for Improved Communication Among Satellite Operators

During the International Astronautical Congress, satellite operators from the United States, China, and other regions expressed urgent concerns regarding the safety of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). They highlighted the need for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to enhance communication channels among operators to mitigate risks associated with satellite conjunctions—instances where satellites come dangerously close to one another. David Goldman, vice president of satellite policy at SpaceX, emphasized the importance of sharing orbital ephemerides, which are precise data on satellite positions and movements, to reduce collision risks.

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The number of active satellites has surged dramatically, with reports indicating that as of October 2025, there are 13,026 active satellites, a 23% increase from the previous year. This growth is largely driven by commercial mega-constellations like SpaceX's Starlink, which alone accounts for 64% of all active satellites. The increasing density of satellites in orbit raises the potential for collisions, making effective communication and coordination among operators more critical than ever.

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Key industry representatives, including Goldman and Josef Koller from Amazon's Project Kuiper, voiced their concerns about the lack of reliable contact information among satellite operators. Koller noted that Amazon only has reliable contact for about half of the 1,500 operational payloads passing through its orbits, creating a precarious environment. Peng Zhang from GalaxySpace echoed these sentiments, pointing out similar communication challenges faced by Chinese operators.

Satellite operators push ITU to improve communication channels for space safety

Panelists at the congress proposed that the ITU could serve as a trusted platform for facilitating exchanges of contact information among satellite operators. Jorge Ciccorossi from the ITU confirmed that this issue would be a priority at the upcoming ITU Space Sustainability Forum in Geneva. He stated, “It’s really important to have quick access to this,” highlighting the need for improved transparency to mitigate risks.

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While there was consensus on the need for better communication, opinions diverged on whether the ITU should implement formal regulations. Peng suggested drafting a "code of conduct" for satellite operators, whereas Goldman cautioned against hasty regulations that might not address the complexities of the situation. He argued that the ITU's primary role should be to facilitate communication rather than enforce rules.

Satellite operators push ITU to improve communication channels for space safety

Despite efforts to deorbit defunct satellites and rocket stages, the amount of debris in LEO continues to grow. Reports indicate that the number of derelict objects left in orbit exceeds levels seen two decades ago, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing non-binding guidelines aimed at reducing space debris.

US-China relations may be the biggest near-term threat to the sustainability of low Earth orbit

As the space industry continues to expand, initiatives like NASA's funding for Scout Space and Slingshot Aerospace to develop autonomous collision avoidance systems reflect a growing recognition of the need for enhanced safety measures. The integration of advanced technologies and improved communication protocols will be vital in addressing the challenges posed by an increasingly congested orbital environment.

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In conclusion, the call for improved communication among satellite operators is a critical step towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations as the number of satellites continues to rise.

Satellite operators push ITU to improve communication channels for space safety