NSpOC – space related risks increased in August

The number of space-related threats, risks, and hazards were higher in August than in July with more re-entry, conjunction and space weather alerts issued by the UK’s National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). 

The NSpOC monitored 89 uncontrolled re-entries in August to protect the UK and UK Overseas Territories as well as support its international partners. This represents more than double the number of objects re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere in August than July. The centre largely attributes the increase to the planned decommissioning of small communications satellites.

In August, the NSpOC warned UK-licensed satellite operators of 2,137 potential collision risks, representing a 19 percent increase in risks over the previous month. These warnings allow operators to take critical collision avoidance decisions.

NSpOC reports indicated that a rocket body fragmented on 6 August, generating more than 250 pieces of debris. Investigations suggest that the cause may be linked to possible passivation (de-activation) activities. The centre is currently actively monitoring the event and will notify UK operators if there is any significant risk.

August saw an increase in space weather alerts issued by the Met Office from July. The NSpOC adds that several storms have potentially caused increased drag and orientation corrections for satellites, and problems with GNSS and radio signals. 

Altogether there were 21 space launches in August and a total increase in the Satellite Catalogue of 595 registered space objects.