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Four Steps to Global Management of Space Traffic
Article

Four Steps to Global Management of Space Traffic

Jamie Morin sets out the elements required to track satellites and avoid crashes.

Nature, 2019


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Well Structured

Recommendation

The satellites that you rely on for your weather forecasts, communication and navigation are in danger. They could collide with each other, or with one of the thousands of pieces of debris up there. Space expert Jamie Morin sketches a road map towards better managing these risks. Don’t expect a technological silver bullet in this levelheaded exposition of what needs to be done. Intensified tracking and large-scale information exchange should be able to prevent mayhem in orbit. The article will compel anyone fascinated by the evolving human infrastructure in space.

Take-Aways

  • The US government can track about 20,000 objects in orbit around Earth.
  • The world needs a system of space traffic management.
  • The first step must be improved tracking of objects.

About the Author

Jamie Morin is the executive director of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy, part of the Aerospace Corporation. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Futures Council on Space Technology. At the US Department of Defense, he led the Air Force Space Board and Air Force Council.