Nabhah Foundation

Orion Space Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcfield, has been awarded a follow-on subcontract by Advanced Space to support Phase 2 of the IARPA Space Debris Identification and Tracking (SINTRA) program. 🔍 What’s happening in Phase 2: Building on Phase 1 research, Orion will work to refine and operationalize new methods that detect and characterize previously untracked orbital debris by analyzing the plasma wave environment and ionospheric interactions caused by debris in space. These techniques aim to provide actionable data about small debris objects that evade traditional radar and optical systems, filling a critical gap in space surveillance. ⚙️ Why it matters: Current tracking systems struggle to monitor debris smaller than about 10 cm in size, yet even tiny fragments can pose serious risks to satellites and crewed spacecraft. By turning scientific findings into operational detection tools, Orion’s work on the SINTRA program could significantly improve space domain awareness, helping to protect space assets and support safer orbital operations. 📅 Program background: The IARPA SINTRA program was initially awarded in July 2023 and focuses on innovative sensing approaches to space debris challenges. #OrionSpaceSolutions #IARPA #SINTRA #SpaceDebris #SpaceSafety #SpaceSurveillance #SpaceDomainAwareness #OrbitalDebrisTracking #SpaceTech #InnovationInSpace (sources)

ClearSpace, a European in-orbit services company, and the European Space Agency (ESA) have started the PRELUDE mission, aiming to pave the way for safer and more sustainable space operations. 🚀 What the mission will do: PRELUDE is designed to test and validate advanced space manoeuvring and navigation technologies in orbit, with two small satellites operating together to demonstrate precise close-proximity operations. These technologies are essential building blocks for future in-orbit services, such as satellite inspection, life extension, repair tasks, and active debris removal—all critical for keeping Earth’s orbits safer and less cluttered. 📅 Timeline and goals: The mission is targeting a launch in 2027 and serves as a key step between technology demonstrations and fully operational space services. By proving these capabilities under real conditions, PRELUDE will help shift space safety concepts into routine practice, supporting Europe’s leadership in responsible space activity. 🌍 Why it matters: With rising congestion and debris in Earth’s orbits, tools like PRELUDE are vital to ensure long-term sustainability of space infrastructure, reduce collision risk, and enable future missions that actively clean up and service satellites. #SpaceSafety #ESA #ClearSpace #PRELUDE #SpaceDebris #InOrbitServicing #SatelliteLifeExtension #SpaceInnovation #SustainableSpace #SpaceTech #EuropeanSpace (sources)

A single piece of space junk — sometimes no bigger than a pebble — could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction in Earth’s orbit with far-reaching consequences here on the ground. With thousands of satellites now orbiting the planet and hundreds of millions of tiny fragments of debris traveling at hypersonic speeds, the risk of a collision cascade (known as Kessler Syndrome) is rising rapidly. When even a small fragment hits an active satellite, it can destroy it and generate thousands more pieces of debris, exponentially increasing collision risk over time. This isn’t just a space issue — modern society depends on satellites for global communications, GPS, banking transactions, weather forecasting, logistics, and more. A major collision could disrupt essential digital infrastructure, crippling services that underpin the global economy. The solution requires urgent global cooperation, space traffic management policies, investment in debris tracking and removal technologies, and sustainable practices by governments and private space actors to prevent a chain reaction that could undermine our digital and economic lifelines. • Tiny debris travels at orbital speeds, enough to disable satellites. Research and innovation • Kessler Syndrome could make key orbital lanes unusable. Wikipedia • Satellite outages → disruption of global banking, communications, navigation, and more. Stanford Law School • Global policy and innovation are critical to mitigation. Research and innovation #SpaceDebris #OrbitalSustainability #GlobalInfrastructure #SpacePolicy #SatelliteTech #RiskManagement #Innovation #DigitalEconomy #KesslerSyndrome #FutureOfSpace (sources)

“Satellites, Space Junk, and the Ozone Layer — Why Sustainability Must Extend Beyond Earth” As satellite launches go through the roof, we’re seeing a hidden risk growing: space-debris and the atmospheric fallout of decommissioned satellites are now threatening both orbital safety and the ozone layer. Here’s why this matters: • Every collision in orbit isn’t just a spacecraft risk—it has cascading effects for global connectivity and the services we rely on. • Debris that burns up upon re-entry emits aluminium oxide dust that may alter upper-atmosphere chemistry and degrade the ozone layer. • Even if no new launches occurred today, debris collisions would continue unless we drastically improve disposal strategies. For the space sector, sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential. For every business or policy-maker with a stake in satellite-enabled infrastructure, now is the time to factor in orbital/environmental risk. (sources) #Space #Sustainability #ESG #Satellites #SpaceDebris #OzoneLayer

Space is not just the final frontier — it’s becoming a crowded junkyard. The recent Tatler Asia piece “Can we clean up Earth’s orbit before it’s too late?” shines a spotlight on one of the most under-appreciated threats to our future: orbital debris. Here are a few reflections: There are currently 1.2 million+ fragments larger than 1 cm in orbit — enough to damage active satellites or spacecraft. The bigger danger isn’t always new launches, but legacy debris — derelict rockets and old satellites that continue to pose collision risks long after their mission ends. For small-sat operators, avoiding collisions is especially hard: many of these satellites lack propulsion to dodge debris. The solution lies not just in cleanup but in sustainable design and policy: requiring deorbit plans, investing in active removal, and building accountability into incentives. Ultimately, managing space debris is not just a technical problem — it’s a test of whether we can steward shared resources even in the final frontier. If humanity is to continue exploring, connecting, and innovating via space, we need to rethink how we launch and how we retire. 🌌 (Sources) #SpaceDebris #SustainabilityInSpace #Aerospace #SpaceInnovation #OrbitalSafety #TechForGood #CleanOrbit #SpaceGovernance #FutureOfSpace #InnovationPolicy

📦 NASA Gear Lands Unexpectedly in West Texas — A Real-Life Science Surprise One quiet morning in rural West Texas, Ann Walter and her family witnessed a giant parachute drifting overhead. To their shock, the payload—a boxy piece of NASA scientific equipment about the size of an SUV—landed in a nearby wheat field. What happened next: The equipment was part of a high-altitude research balloon launched from New Mexico via NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF). Despite a lapse in communication (compounded by a government shutdown), NASA personnel connected with Walter and a recovery team was dispatched to retrieve the instrument. The incident isn’t just a quirky news item — it underscores how scientific missions, risk management, & public coordination come together in surprising ways. ✅ Why this matters (especially for those in space / tech / policy): Highlights the vulnerability and unpredictability of balloon / near-space research platforms Illustrates the importance of recovery protocols, tracking systems, and emergency communications Serves as a reminder that science often plays out in real-world, unscripted contexts (sources) #NASA #SpaceScience #HighAltitudeResearch #BalloonMission #ScienceInAction #TechRecovery #Aerospace #STEMnews #Innovation #ResearchCollaboration

📡 China Moves Into Active Space Debris Removal — But Why It Matters China’s space program is reportedly developing capabilities to actively remove space junk from orbit — a significant step in orbital sustainability. 🔍 What’s happening? At the International Astronautical Congress, a CNSA official confirmed China is researching active debris removal and enhancing space situational awareness (i.e. tracking objects and collision risks) They have increasingly used maneuvers like rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with satellites such as Shijian-21 / 25, including docking and refueling in geostationary orbit Space Policies currently require Chinese satellites to deorbit or lower orbit at end of life, but the new efforts aim to go beyond passive methods ⚠️ What are the concerns? Dual use risk: While debris removal is beneficial, the same technology could theoretically be applied to interfere with or disable an adversary’s spacecraft. Transparency: China has not disclosed much in terms of technical details or timelines, which may raise suspicions internationally. Collaboration needed: Effective removal of orbital debris is a global challenge — success depends on coordination, trust, and technical compatibility across nations. ✅ Why this is important for space industry & policy watchers The growing congestion in orbits (especially low Earth orbit) makes debris removal more urgent Whichever nations lead in these capabilities will have both ecological and strategic influence It prompts renewed attention to norms, arms-control in space, and international governance (sources) #SpaceDebris #SpaceSustainability #ChinaSpaceProgram #SpaceTechnology #OrbitalDebris #SpaceSecurity #DeOrbit #SpaceInnovation #SatelliteTechnology #CleanSpace #AstroPolitics #SpaceGovernance #NewSpace #SpaceExploration #GlobalSpacePolicy #SpaceAwareness #OrbitalSafety #FutureOfSpace #DeepTech #SpaceIndustry

🚀 TransAstra Demonstrates Asteroid Capture & Orbital Debris Cleanup Tech TransAstra has successfully tested its Capture Bag technology aboard the ISS — an inflatable device capable of enveloping and removing orbital debris or even capturing asteroids. This demonstration, supported by NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and private investors, represents a key milestone for sustainable space operations and resource utilization beyond Earth. (sources) #SpaceDebris #OrbitalCleanup #AsteroidMining #SustainableSpace #NewSpace #SpaceTech #Innovation #NASA #DeepTech

🔭 NASA Backs Startups to Mitigate Space Traffic Risks NASA has awarded funding via its SBIR Phase I program to Scout Space and Slingshot Aerospace to co-develop an autonomous collision-avoidance system for satellites. With space becoming increasingly congested, traditional ground-based tracking is under strain. This collaboration will merge Scout’s onboard optical sensing and real-time collision analysis with Slingshot’s ground sensor network to enhance rapid detection and response to orbital threats. If successful, this innovation could mark a big leap toward autonomous space traffic management, ensuring safer operations in Earth’s orbit. (sources) #NASA #SpaceSafety #SpaceSustainability #NewSpace #SatelliteTechnology #OrbitalDebris #SpaceTrafficManagement #Innovation #DeepTech

Astroscale & NSIL Partner for ISSA-J1 Debris Inspection Mission Astroscale Japan has signed a launch agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) for their ISSA-J1 (In-situ Space Situational Awareness-Japan 1) mission. Launch is set for spring 2027 on a PSLV from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. ISSA-J1, funded under Japan’s SBIR programme, will inspect two large pieces of orbital debris, leveraging Astroscale’s experience in rendezvous/proximity operations. This is the first time a Japanese entity is using a dedicated PSLV launch, chosen after evaluating more than 10 launch providers for cost, reliability, and technical capability. Also part of the collaboration: strengthening ties with the Indian space ecosystem via MoUs with local startups (Bellatrix, Digantara) and local representation (MEMCO Associates). Why it matters This marks a significant step in international collaboration for space sustainability — combining Japanese innovation with Indian launch capabilities to tackle orbital debris. A win for cost, capability, and global space safety. (sources) #SpaceTech #OrbitalDebris #Astroscale #NSIL #SpaceSustainability #PSLV #Innovation #IndiaJapanCollaboration #SpaceInspection