As satellite technology has evolved, so too have the challenges of managing space as a shared resource. Over 10,000 active and defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and millions of debris fragments now populate Earth’s orbit. The same skies once tracked with SatSpy are more crowded than ever, now pose serious risks for collisions and interference. This is why today we speak about space sustainability, keeping Earth's orbital environment usable for future generations.
Each new satellite launch adds to the growing number of objects in space. While precise tracking has improved, the risk of collisions such as the 2009 Iridium-Cosmos crash remains a major concern. Nations and private entities are now exploring new methods for deorbiting defunct satellites and active debris removal technologies. Mega-constellations are accelerating congestion, requiring more avoidnace manoeuvres in space, in the absence of an international coordinated traffic control.
The Universe might be infinite, but the space around the Earth is a limited area which hosts human made objects traveling at thousands of kilometers per hour. The places where satellites are, the orbits and the orbital planes, represent prime real estate for telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific research. Certain orbits, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), are in high demand and are becoming increasingly congested.
The radio spectrum is essential for communicating with satellites, yet as more objects launch, competition for frequencies intensifies. Signal interference, whether accidental or intentional, can disrupt navigation systems, satellite internet, and emergency services, creating risks on Earth and in space. Moreover, the electromagnetic emissions from satellites are doubled by optical and thermal interference with Earth-based radio and optical astronomical observations.
To preserve space for future generations, international organizations like the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are working to develop policies and guidelines for sustainable space operations. Many countries are also drafting national regulations, but the practical aspects of space traffic management at world scale are still unclear. The race for comercialisation of space is ongoing and sustainability does not seem to be a priority for some.