// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Space Traffic
The movement and interactions of all objects in Earth's orbit, including active satellites, defunct spacecraft, and space debris.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Space traffic refers to the aggregate movement and interactions of all operational satellites, defunct spacecraft, and orbital debris within Earth's various orbital regimes, necessitating Space Traffic Management (STM) to prevent collisions, ensure safe operations, and manage congestion in increasingly crowded orbits.
BACKGROUND
Space traffic management is defined by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) as "the set of technical and regulatory provisions for promoting safe access into outer space, operations in outer space and return from outer space to Earth free from physical or radio-frequency interference."
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Orbital traffic
- satellite traffic
- space congestion
- orbital movements
USAGE NOTE
Managing space traffic is becoming increasingly complex with the proliferation of satellite constellations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Space Traffic.
Develops a global network of radars and a data platform for mapping objects in low Earth orbit, providing space situational awareness and collision avoidance services.
Operates a global network of optical telescopes and provides high-fidelity space situational awareness data, satellite tracking, and collision avoidance services for objects in all orbital regimes.
Specializes in developing technologies and services for on-orbit servicing, end-of-life services, and active debris removal to ensure the sustainable use of space.
Offers autonomous space traffic management software and services to satellite operators, enabling proactive collision avoidance and optimized constellation management.
Provides a space situational awareness and space traffic coordination platform that delivers actionable insights and operational tools for satellite operators and government agencies.
A major aerospace and defense technology company involved in developing advanced space situational awareness (SSA) systems, satellite tracking, and orbital debris monitoring technologies.
Through its Space Safety Programme, ESA develops and operates technologies for space debris detection, tracking, collision avoidance, and mitigation strategies to ensure safe space operations.
While primarily a launch and satellite operator, SpaceX develops advanced internal collision avoidance and constellation management systems for its large Starlink satellite network, significantly contributing to the operational aspect of space traffic management.
Develops advanced space domain awareness capabilities, including sensors, data fusion, and software tools to track objects, predict conjunctions, and enhance space traffic safety for various missions.