Plan-S Satellite and Space Technologies’ Post

‘Uncontrolled reentries of space objects and aviation safety’, by Charlotte Hook, Ewan Wright, Michael Byers, and Aaron Boley has been published in IAA Acta Astronautica. This article examines the physical risk uncontrolled reentries of space debris presents to the aviation industry and argues that there is substantial economic risk as planes are diverted or delayed to avoid incoming debris. Space companies could be liable under international law for both risks. The article concludes that governments should implemented controlled reenty regimes and invest in better tracking and prediction capabilities for reentries, as recommended in our 2023 Montreal Recommendations. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/guaPGpSU

I’m excited to share that this article has been published! This article delves into risks that uncontrolled reentries of space objects present to the aviation industry. We explore how space companies, by conducting uncontrolled reentries, are generating a negative externality for the aviation industry. Aside from the physical risk of a plane being struck (where a 300g piece of debris could bring down a plane), there are business costs associated with delaying and diverting planes to avoid incoming debris. For example, the reentry of the Long March 5B rocket in November 2022 affected almost 900 flights and caused over 300 hours of delays for planes to avoid possible debris. Space companies are liable for the physical risk under international, but also could be liable for the economic costs. We conclude that governments should mandate space companies to conduct controlled reentries, formulate standards for issuing warnings to aircraft about incoming space debris, and develop tracking and prediction capabilities to track reentries, as recommended in our 2023 Montreal Recommendations. I want to extend my gratitude for my collaborators Ewan Wright, Michael Byers, and Aaron Boley for their invaluable help in writing this article. If you are interested in reading the full article, it is available here:

Beijing-based Space Transportation has successfully tested its Yunxing prototype, a supersonic aircraft designed to fly at Mach 4, roughly 3,069 mph—nearly twice the speed of the iconic Concorde. This marks a major milestone in the future of aviation. 🌟 The company plans to conduct further engine tests in November with the ambitious goal of launching a full-sized supersonic passenger jet by 2027. 🌐 Potential Impact on Global Travel: Paris to Beijing in just over 1 hour Beijing to New York in about 2 hours This innovative leap promises to revolutionize intercontinental travel, drastically reducing flight times and reshaping how we experience long-haul journeys. 🌍 As we look to the future, supersonic travel could redefine global connectivity and transform industries reliant on fast, efficient transportation. ✨ #rankrizers #SpaceTransportation #Yunxing #Mach4 #SupersonicFlight #AviationInnovation #FutureOfTravel #TechInnovation #EngineeringExcellence #AviationIndustry #SupersonicJets #GlobalConnectivity #TravelRevolution #AirTravel #TechNews #FutureOfAviation

[Space Debris Delays Flights to South Africa Amid Warnings of Falling Rocket Components] The rising threat of space debris is no longer confined to theoretical discussions or isolated incidents. Its impact disrupts airline operations, with flights being delayed, rescheduled, or rerouted due to warnings about falling debris along flight paths. Recent events underscore the immediate risks of re-entering rocket components to aviation, terrestrial communities, and infrastructure. Airlines have started reporting significant disruptions due to space debris risks. For example, the Australian flag carrier, Qantas Airways Limited (Qantas), has delayed several flights on its Sydney–Johannesburg route due to last-minute warnings of falling debris. These delays, lasting between two and six hours, were caused by re-entry debris from SpaceX rockets targeting the southern Indian Ocean a preferred re-entry zone due to its remoteness. Holland also noted that Qantas had contacted SpaceX to explore refining re-entry regions and timing to minimise future disruptions. Similarly, South African Airways (SAA) flights between Johannesburg and Perth have also been impacted by warnings of falling debris, highlighting the broad regional implications of these incidents. SpaceX’s Rocket Re-Entry Risks SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, key to launching satellites and crewed missions, frequently use the southern Indian Ocean for re-entry. Although the missiles are designed to be partially reusable, some components burn up on re-entry while others fall back to Earth. The unpredictability of these falling components poses risks to humans, the environment, and flight operations. The Guardian reports that last-minute changes to re-entry coordinates further exacerbate the problem, leaving airlines with minimal time to adapt. Looking Ahead: Addressing the Space Debris Challenge The increasing frequency of space launches and re-entries underscores the urgency of addressing space debris challenges. Solutions include: Enhanced Coordination: Improved communication between space agencies, operators, and aviation authorities to provide timely and accurate warnings. Refined Re-Entry Planning: Space companies like SpaceX may need to adjust re-entry strategies to reduce disruption to airlines and communities. As Africa’s air traffic grows and space activities increase, collaboration between aviation and space sectors will be critical to ensuring safe skies for all. Source: https://lnkd.in/dVSNtwbD #galaxyaerosgh #space #spaceexploration #SpaceNews

Space tourism will begin in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next year, as reported by The News. According to a Gulf newspaper, Kemel Kharbachi, the founder and CEO of European space company EOS-X Space, announced that space flights will start in Abu Dhabi and Spain around the third quarter of 2025. EOS-X SPACE is developing the Spaceship One manned capsules and plans to conduct essential validation tests with military pilots in collaboration with Spain’s National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA). These pressurized capsules can hold up to eight people, including a pilot, and are lifted by an eco-friendly helium balloon. The capsules will reach the edge of the stratosphere at an altitude of 40,000 meters, providing space tourists with stunning views of space, the blue halo, and Earth’s curvature during a five-hour trip. This contrasts with Blue Origin’s 11-minute rocket flight. #SpaceTourism #UAE #EOSXSpace #SpaceFlights #AbuDhabi #Spain #SpaceTravel #Stratosphere #SpaceExploration #FutureOfTravel #SpaceCapsules #INAT #SustainableTravel #Cohortmax

Last year, we asked for your help counting groups of walrus in the Arctic, in pictures taken from drones and from satellites. 🛰🔍 You did a GREAT job and together we've managed to improve the accuracy of walrus surveying from space! The drone shots had loads more detail, and that’s helped us make sure that we’re counting the number of walrus in the less detailed satellite images correctly. Now, we hope that we can: 🛰 Use just satellites to track walrus populations! 🤫 Check up on walrus regularly and non-invasively. 🖥 Train AI to count quickly and accurately. 📣 BAS’ Dr Hannah Cubaynes says: “Counting walruses from space will revolutionise the way we currently monitor them. It can increase the extent and frequency of current surveys, helping us gain a better insight into how walruses are faring in a changing world.” Walruses are facing the reality of the climate crisis: their Arctic home is warming nearly four times faster than the global average and about 12% of summer sea ice is disappearing per decade. Here's the full story ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eUxYdA4G 📸 Emmanuel Rondeau (WWF), Peter Fretwell #WorldBiodiversityDay #remotesensing #wildlifefromspace #citizenscience #conservation #seaice #walrus #arctic #arcticspecies WWF

Last year, we asked for your help counting groups of walrus in the Arctic, in pictures taken from drones and from satellites. 🛰🔍 You did a GREAT job and together we've managed to improve the accuracy of walrus surveying from space! The drone shots had loads more detail, and that’s helped us make sure that we’re counting the number of walrus in the less detailed satellite images correctly. Now, we hope that we can: 🛰 Use just satellites to track walrus populations! 🤫 Check up on walrus regularly and non-invasively. 🖥 Train AI to count quickly and accurately. 📣 BAS’ Dr Hannah Cubaynes says: “Counting walruses from space will revolutionise the way we currently monitor them. It can increase the extent and frequency of current surveys, helping us gain a better insight into how walruses are faring in a changing world.” Walruses are facing the reality of the climate crisis: their Arctic home is warming nearly four times faster than the global average and about 12% of summer sea ice is disappearing per decade. Here's the full story ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eUxYdA4G 📸 Emmanuel Rondeau (WWF), Peter Fretwell #WorldBiodiversityDay #remotesensing #wildlifefromspace #citizenscience #conservation #seaice #walrus #arctic #arcticspecies WWF

This Sunday I was in SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and we enjoyed the space and attractions so much... But the best was the easy access to the information. After this I can't stop thinking about what happens in the darkness of the sea/ocean and what we can do to access it. The only that I know is that advancements in underwater technology have led to remarkable discoveries, such as the recent finding of a new species of octopus, "Tremoctopus narcomedusoides", off the east coast of Australia in 2021. This discovery underscores the importance of continuous ocean exploration and the potential for uncovering new marine life, even in areas that may be considered well-studied. Modern technologies, including manned submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), have played a crucial role in this discovery by enabling scientists to explore and study deep-sea areas. Additionally, sonar mapping systems, underwater cameras and sensors, and remote sampling instruments have provided detailed information about the habitat and behavior of this new octopus species, aiding researchers in better understanding its role in the marine ecosystem. #RashaServices #Motivation #BeSustainable #SeaworldAbuDhabi #ProtectYourEnvironment

As the Vendée Globe 2024 continues, we are proud to highlight the role of Galileo’s Search and Rescue (SAR) service in ensuring the safety of participants and all those at sea. With Galileo SAR fully integrated into the global COSPAS-SARSAT distress alert detection system, this technology enhances global search and rescue efforts. Using Medium-altitude Earth Orbit SAR (MEOSAR) satellites, Galileo picks up distress signals emitted from emergency beacons. Once detected, this data is transmitted to MEOLUTS (Ground Stations), which pass it on to COSPAS-SARSAT Mission Control Centres for immediate action. The Galileo Return Link Service (RLS) reassures distress beacon users by confirming their signal has been received and their location verified. With the full contribution of Galileo SAR, COSPAS-SARSAT is estimated to save more than 3,000 lives annually. As the brave sailors of the Vendée Globe 2024 race towards the finish line, Galileo’s SAR capabilities are working tirelessly to protect lives across the globe. #VendeeGlobe #GalileoSAR #EUSpace

From sextants to satellites . . . . Discover how Spire’s CubeSats revolutionize maritime navigation, offering unparalleled real-time data and precision. With applications from weather prediction to vessel tracking, these advancements ensure safety and efficiency on the seas. How did CubeSats enhance storm path prediction during Hurricane Florence? Swipe to uncover the tech behind modern maritime navigation. #Innovation #Maritime #Technology