The handbook discusses the tracking, maneuverability, reliability, and disposal of space hardware.
Fremont, CA: NASA has launched the first iteration of its Spacecraft Conjunction Assessment and Collision Avoidance Best Practices Handbook in order to share information on best practices for coordinating in-orbit activity in a safe and responsible manner. The agency aims for these best practices to strengthen stability, decrease current and future operational risks, as well as contribute to a sustainable space environment for future private and public sector activities.
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Emerging commercial ventures, such as in-space manufacturing, satellite servicing, and tourism, as well as new technologies enabling large constellations of satellites and small satellites, present serious challenges for responsibly and safely utilizing space in a sustainable, stable manner. These challenges impact not only the United States but also its allies and industry partners.
"Due to the growing amount of space activity and debris, it's becoming more difficult to ensure the safety and integrity of our space assets and the overall orbital environment," stated NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "Now is the time for all space operators to leverage innovative commercially available space situational awareness data, information, and analysis to mitigate the potential for in-orbit collisions and sustain key orbital regimes."
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The best practices handbook shows how NASA presently operates in space. The agency developed the handbook in order to support the goals of Space Policy Directive-3, the National Space Traffic Management Policy, in close collaboration with US Space Command, one of NASA's closest interagency partners in making sure safe operations in space.
The handbook discusses the tracking, maneuverability, reliability, and disposal of space hardware. Additional topics include constellation design and space vehicle, prelaunch preparation, spacecraft trackability and early launch activities, in-orbit collision avoidance, as well as automated trajectory guidance and maneuvering. The approaches outlined in the best practices handbook are voluntary and would evolve to address new operations and technologies.
