Spacetalk

Low Earth Orbit has become a congested network of spacecraft and debris—a constantly shifting intersection of national, commercial and scientific ambitions. Each mission collects data, transmits signals and moves through shared orbital lanes that have no borders and no universally accepted way for operators to communicate directly. When information is incomplete or delayed, routine manoeuvres can escalate into conjunctions that end missions and increase debris events threatening every spacecraft in their path.

For years, space operators have managed missions through data provided by major space-faring nations. The emergence of new space actors questioned the viability of these systems. Governments, private companies and research institutions track objects, sometimes independently, using different formats, procedures and communication channels. What has been missing is a unique and centralised shared layer that allows all operators to communicate in a simple, direct and trusted way.

Spacetalk was created to solve that problem.

The Swiss-based platform pioneers global space traffic coordination through neutral, transparent data exchange. Rather than analysing or directing missions, it provides the backbone that enables governments, private operators and research institutions to communicate directly in a secure environment. Every object in orbit is linked to a verified operational point of contact, allowing users to share orbital information, publish manoeuvre intentions and prevent collisions before they occur. A rigorous KYC process ensures full transparency among members regarding the identity of their counterparts.

“By treating communication as shared infrastructure, we build trust in orbit,” says Dr Benjamin Guyot, CEO. “The result is an interoperable system designed to safeguard satellites, reduce debris and secure the long-term sustainability of outer space.”

Users log into a Space Surveillance and Tracking Forum, where every line represents a space object and displays the operator, the date of publication, and the author. From that point, operators can share key details about trajectory, operational status or upcoming operations.

Because every space agency and company speaks its own technical language, Spacetalk allows members to upload information in their existing formats. The system automatically converts the data so others can download it in their preferred language and file type. A Chinese operator can post orbital updates in Mandarin, whilst an American or European partner can receive the same information in English and in a format compatible with their own tools.

The platform’s architecture integrates seamlessly with existing Space Situational Awareness and Space Traffic Management systems, enabling data exchange without altering internal infrastructure. Operators retain full autonomy over what to share, when and with whom. The objective is to create a trusted global marketplace for existing providers, rather than competing with them.

Early adopters include Space Situational Awareness providers such as DebrisX, orbitArch, and Okapi Orbits. Through Spacetalk, they can alert operators, share trajectory data and invite participants into private conversations to coordinate manoeuvres. In future releases, users will organise dedicated forum spaces with selected partners for real-time coordination or space weather discussions.

Large constellation operators such as SpaceX could use the platform to share orbital data across entire shells. Others can then respond only when a risk appears, reducing unnecessary communication and manoeuvres. Each avoided manoeuvre saves fuel, extends satellite life and lowers operational costs, whilst collectively reducing the risk of cascading debris events.

But Spacetalk’s ambition reaches beyond collision avoidance. The platform also addresses a quieter, more dangerous challenge: misunderstanding in orbit. A lack of dialogue between operators can turn routine activity into a perceived threat, especially when manoeuvres are not publicly explained. This idea originated from Dr Guyot’s time at the European Space Agency, where he witnessed collision risks between European and American spacecraft with no established communication channel.

By creating a neutral space for transparency, Spacetalk helps defence agencies and private operators clarify intent before a manoeuvre is misread. “A robot designed to remove debris can look like an attack if it approaches the wrong satellite,” notes Guyot. “Transparency is the only way to prevent that kind of misinterpretation.”

For Spacetalk, the goal is as much philosophical as technical to transform communication itself into a foundation for trust.