Reports calls for greater safety and sustainability in space

The company has produced a report in partnership with AstroAnalytica that makes detailed recommendations on proposed standards to improve operations in space. These include actions to prevent collisions in orbit, to curb anti-satellite missile testing, improve the disposal of end-of-life satellites, introduce points-based penalties to enhance sustainability among satellite operators, and to take action over monopolistic practices among new industry entrants or governments.

In a statement, Rajeev Suri, chief executive of Inmarsat, said: “The time has come to address sustainability in space with a coherent plan to address the growing problem of debris, satellite congestion and the absence of agreed international standards in our industry.

“We need a new mindset and a new approach to environmentalism in space, which will become increasingly important amid industry plans for a massive increase in satellite launches into Low Earth Orbit that will increase the risk of collisions and potential atmospheric contamination.”

In its report, Inmarsat reveals that nearly 10,000 tonnes of satellite and rocket objects are currently in Earth’s orbit, including approximately 130 million pieces of space debris. These figures could increase as so-called mega-constellation projects prepare for launch, potentially increasing the number of LEO satellites from approximately 4,000 to 100,000 by the end of the decade.