The push for better coordination among space operators
In Sydney, leaders from major satellite operators pressed the ITU to step in as a trusted hub that can keep channels open among operators. The central ask is for reliable lines of communication and the routine sharing of crucial data, including orbital ephemerides and maneuver plans, to reduce collision risks as more satellites populate near-Earth space.
What SpaceX, Amazon, and others are already doing
David Goldman, SpaceX’s vice president for satellite policy, underscored that the most effective risk-reduction measure is consistent ephemeris sharing. He noted a practical reality: SpaceX and Amazon often collaborate on space safety, coordinating as their fleets pass through each other’s orbital shells on the way to higher altitudes. “That is the single most important thing you can do to help decrease risk in space,” he said.
An Amazon representative, Josef Koller, added that the company actively shares ephemerides, maneuver plans, and screening data at a technical level. Yet he cited a significant gap: of roughly 1,500 operational payloads in Kuiper orbits, about half lack direct contact information. “That’s really not a very safe environment,” he warned, insisting that simply having a reachable contact for every operator would be a foundational safety improvement.
Where the ITU could help
Industry officials pointed to the ITU as the natural platform to host a trusted, global data-sharing framework. The ITU’s forthcoming Space Sustainability Forum in Geneva will address this theme, with officials signaling a push to exchange direct points of contact among the world’s leading LEO operators and to publish non-sensitive contact information for rapid outreach during maneuvers. Such transparency could also help mitigate radio-frequency interference and speed up risk responses.
Opportunities vs. cautions
While there is broad agreement on sharing contact points, opinions diverge on the ITU’s broader role. Peng Zhang of GalaxySpace called for a formal code of conduct, though details remain undecided. Goldman urged caution against rushing into regulation, arguing that hasty rules could be counterproductive and fail to keep pace with evolving space activity. His preference is for the ITU to serve as a facilitator—accelerating communication in a way aligned with the high tempo of space operations.
Two pillars for sustainable space activity: certainty and transparency
The consensus is that greater certainty and transparency will reduce risk more effectively than any single regulatory measure. By acting as a trusted intermediary, the ITU could help create a living, globally accessible network of operator contacts, maneuver plans, and collision-awareness data. In an era of rapidly proliferating low-Earth-orbit constellations, such a platform would help keep pace with deployment and evolving orbital regimes.
Looking ahead
As the ITU prepares for its Space Sustainability Forum, the path forward is clear: improved communication among operators is a practical, achievable step toward space safety. Whether the ITU formally assumes a coordination role or simply provides a trusted conduit, the goal is the same—minimizing conjunction risks while preserving space’s openness for exploration and commercial activity.
Conclusion
The call to action is pragmatic and timely. With the ITU acting as a facilitator, the space community can build a safer operating environment where data flows freely, operators know who to contact, and risks associated with close approaches are significantly reduced, even as satellite networks continue to expand.
