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A new era in tracking space debris

As space debris becomes an increasing threat to operational in Earth’s orbit, researchers from Khalifa University have developed a new approach to tracking it using vision sensors aboard satellites and advanced data fusion techniques.

Traditionally, most space debris is tracked from the ground, using radar and telescopes. Ground-based tracking is limited by weather, atmospheric distortion and visibility constraints, but satellites equipped with the right sensors can continuously monitor debris from space, independent of weather and lighting conditions. The challenges lie in making these systems both accurate and efficient.

The research, published in Acta Astronautica, tackles this by developing a data fusion framework that processes and combines measurements from multiple satellites to improve tracking accuracy. Beyond tracking space debris, this framework could be used for future space operations, including interplanetary exploration, space tourism and satellite-based internet services.

More: Cleaning up our space

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1 in 4 chance space junk will fall
back to earth

Uncontrolled rocked re-entries pose a growing risk to the aviation industry, a new study in Scientific Reports warns.

As space launches increase, more rocket bodies are abandoned in orbit, eventually falling back to Earth unpredictably.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia estimate that in high-traffic airspace, such as over northern Europe or the northeastern United States, there is a 26 percent annual chance of a re-entry passing through busy skies, posing a collision risk to aircraft.

While the likelihood of a direct impact remains low, even small debris could cause catastrophic damage.

The study highlights a 2022 incident when European airspace was temporarily closed due to a re-entry threat, delaying hundreds of flights. With rocket launches and flights increasing, the researchers say policymakers need to take action.