Synopsis
Executive Summary
The 2022 Space Safety Compendium addresses the evolving landscape of space activities, shifting from government-led to commercially dominated space activities. It discusses new challenges in regulatory frameworks, safety measures, and space domain management due to increased commercial spaceflights and activities like mining and pharmaceutical development. The report highlights the importance of adopting a holistic approach to manage the space domain effectively.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
SSA is crucial for understanding and managing space activities, especially with the expected increase in satellite constellations. Recommendations include enhancing SSA data analysis services, reducing tracking uncertainties, and improving satellite tracking accuracy. The focus is on a comprehensive understanding of space objects, their orbits, and operational environments.
Space Operations Assurance
This section covers the challenges and solutions in space traffic management, active debris removal, and the impact of large constellations on space operations. It emphasizes the need for international coordination and cooperation, legal policy frameworks for debris removal, and innovative approaches for space traffic management.
Launch and Reentry
The compendium discusses the increasing complexity of launch and reentry operations due to the growth of large satellite constellations. It calls for comprehensive national airspace system integration strategies, consideration of larger risk postures, and the implementation of controlled reentry points to minimize hazards.
Cyber and Spectrum
The document highlights the importance of cybersecurity in space operations. Recommendations include funding cybersecurity best practices, developing defense-in-depth principles, and ensuring robust supply chain risk management. It also stresses the need for responsive space systems to spectrum changes.
Human Spaceflight Safety
Updating human spaceflight mishap investigation requirements, implementing safety case approaches, and developing a future-proof safety framework are key recommendations. The compendium stresses the importance of ensuring common docking systems for spacecraft and integrating rescue plans into launch plans.
Cross-Cutting Space Safety Issues
Investment in STEM education, improving the space career narrative, expanding the school-to-space workforce pipeline, and developing strategies for data sharing are recommended to address broader space safety issues. The compendium also suggests matching norm characteristics to development approaches and considering the entire lifecycle of norm development.
Conclusion
The compendium concludes with an emphasis on a holistic approach to space safety, integrating various mission areas and managing the challenges in the space sector. It advocates for responsible, safe space behavior and underscores the significance of sustainable operations in space.
