High

Collision with operational satellites

Risk of a decommissioned or uncontrolled satellite colliding with active spacecraft, potentially creating a cascading debris event (Kessler Syndrome).

ISO 24113 — Space Debris Mitigation UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International

Obligations (2)

Comply with UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines

High

Operators must design missions to limit debris generation during normal operations, minimise breakup potential, and ensure post-mission disposal within 25 years.

Liability for space object damage

High

Under the Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention, launching states bear international liability for damage caused by their space objects.

Outer Space Treaty (1967)

Opportunities (2)

Active debris removal services

High

Invest in or support active debris removal missions to clean up orbital environments, reducing collision risk for all operators.

AI-driven collision avoidance

High

Deploy machine learning algorithms to improve conjunction assessment accuracy and automate collision avoidance manoeuvres, reducing fuel usage and collision probability.

Journal of Space Safety Engineering