ITU Boosts Space Safety with Forum on Satellite Operator Coordination
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is stepping up efforts to enhance communication among satellite operators, aiming to bolster space safety and sustainability. The organization is set to host its second Space Sustainability Forum in Geneva, with key players emphasizing the need for improved coordination and information exchange.
David Goldman, vice president of satellite policy at SpaceX, stressed the importance of sharing orbital ephemerides to reduce risks in space. This sentiment was echoed by representatives from constellation operators in the US and China, who highlighted the need for better coordination when satellites make close approaches.
Amazon's Project Kuiper, led by Josef Koller, expressed concern about the lack of contact information for around 1,500 operational payloads passing through its orbits. Koller welcomed the ITU's initiative to ask member states and operators to provide contact information for quick access.
Peng Zhang, general manager of the solutions department at GalaxySpace, faces similar communication challenges with satellite operators in China, underscoring the global nature of this issue. Despite agreement on the importance of sharing contact information, operators differed on what else the ITU should do to promote space safety.
The ITU's upcoming forum signals a commitment to improving communication and addressing radio-frequency interference issues. By facilitating the exchange of contact information and encouraging better coordination, the organization aims to enhance space safety and sustainability for all operators.
