The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) has issued a comprehensive report detailing its efforts to safeguard the UK’s interests in space and on Earth throughout June 2024.
The report, released in July, highlights the monitoring of uncontrolled re-entries, collision avoidance, fragmentation incidents, space weather, and the increasing number of space objects.
Overall Risks in June
In June, the risks to UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks, and hazards were lower than in May.
However, incidents related to re-entry and space weather remained above average. NSpOC’s warning and protection services performed as expected throughout the month.
Uncontrolled Re-Entry Early Warning
During June, NSpOC monitored 48 uncontrolled re-entries to protect the UK and its overseas territories, as well as to support international partners. This number represents a 14% decrease from May but is still approximately 50% above the yearly average. The higher-than-average trend is primarily due to the planned decommissioning of small communications satellites. This elevated level is expected to continue for at least another month.
Number of Re-Entries Monitored by Month:
Month |
Number of Re-Entries |
|---|---|
| January | 13 |
| February | 24 |
| March | 25 |
| April | 22 |
| May | 56 |
| June | 48 |
In-Space Collision Avoidance
NSpOC warned UK-licensed satellite operators of 1,881 potential collision risks in June, marking a 35% decrease compared to May. These warnings enabled operators to make critical collision avoidance decisions, ensuring the safety and integrity of their satellites.
Number of Collision Risks Monitored by Month:
Month |
Number of Collision Risks |
|---|---|
| January | 1,690 |
| February | 1,943 |
| March | 1,903 |
| April | 1,899 |
| May | 2,560 |
| June | 1,881 |
Fragmentation Incidents
On 26 June, a defunct Russian satellite fragmented, producing over 100 pieces of debris. Preliminary investigations suggest that the main body of the satellite may still be largely intact. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing space debris and ensuring the safety of operational satellites.
Space Weather Alerts
The Met Office issued 64 critical space weather alerts in June, a 35% decrease from May. Despite the lower activity, June experienced several significant events, including solar flares and geomagnetic storms.
These events, while less impactful than in May, still posed risks to satellite operations and space-based services such as GPS and High-Frequency radio.
Number of Objects in Space
June saw 17 launches and a total increase of 244 registered space objects in the US Satellite Catalogue. SpaceX conducted eight of these launches, deploying 173 Starlink satellites, which significantly contributed to the increase.
The remaining 71 objects include those from previous months, new launches, ISS-deployed satellites, and newly recorded debris.
Number of Registered Space Objects by Month:
Month |
Number of Objects |
|---|---|
| January | 28,014 |
| February | 28,172 |
| March | 28,478 |
| April | 28,752 |
| May | 28,850 |
| June | 28,931 |
Comments on NSpOC’s Role
The National Space Operations Centre combines and coordinates the UK’s civil and military space domain awareness capabilities. This integration enables effective operations, promotes prosperity, and protects UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks, and hazards.
In conclusion, June 2024 was a month of diligent monitoring and protection efforts by NSpOC.
From managing uncontrolled re-entries and collision risks to addressing space weather alerts and fragmentation incidents, NSpOC has shown unwavering commitment to safeguarding the UK’s interests in space.
As space activity continues to grow, the role of NSpOC remains crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space for all.
Sources: THX News, National Space Operations Centre & UK Space Agency.
