A New Era of Space Exploration

The dawn of the space age began with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957, shortly followed by the U.S. sending Explorer I. Fast forward to March 2025, and over 11,000 satellites orbit Earth, a number projected to skyrocket to 60,000 by 2030. This explosive growth signals not just a dramatic increase in space traffic but a profound shift towards commercial ventures in space.

According to Mariel Borowitz, associate professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs and director of the newly established Center for Space Policy and International Relations, the landscape of space has dramatically transformed from its geopolitical roots to encompass a myriad of commercial players and initiatives.

The Growing Problem of Space Debris

As space traffic increases, so does the issue of debris. Thomas González Roberts, a postdoctoral fellow at the Nunn School, emphasizes the dangers of space junk: "Space debris includes non-operational objects like defunct satellites floating aimlessly, which become a significant hazard. It’s not just the large pieces we should worry about; tiny fragments are undetectable yet capable of wreaking havoc on active satellites due to their high velocities."

Roberts points out that the overcrowded sectors, particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO)—home to much of our communication and observation satellites—are becoming critical resources that need careful management.

Call for International Collaboration

To remedy this situation, Roberts advocates for a robust system of international cooperation and effective policies governing satellite operations. "Operators must clean up after their missions to ensure the sustainability of these vital orbital zones," he argues. The urgency for proactive approaches in space governance has never been clearer.

The Quest for Space Situational Awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) is crucial for monitoring potential collisions in the cosmos. Currently, the U.S. military boasts the world's most advanced SSA system, which offers collision warnings to both government and commercial operators without charge. However, there are ongoing discussions about shifting the management of this critical function to a civilian agency, the Office of Space Commerce (OSC), reflecting the increasing international and commercial dimension of space activities.

In 2022, Borowitz advocated for this transition during a Congressional hearing and is now helping implement the shift at the OSC, where she focuses on international engagement in SSA. Her efforts serve to bridge academic advancements with governmental processes.

Innovating Solutions with Simulations

In collaboration with Brian Gunter from the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, Borowitz initiated a groundbreaking project to tackle space traffic management, fueled by NASA support. By employing the Georgia Tech Virtual Environment for Space Traffic Analysis (VESTA), they can model real satellite data to examine possible coordination rules.

A key inquiry is whether to establish right-of-way rules in space, akin to those for cars on roads or ships at sea. Currently, the absence of such guidelines complicates the navigation of numerous spacecraft.”

Impacting Global Space Governance

Their simulations do not merely explore theoretical scenarios; they generate vital data to shape international agreements, illustrating the costs and benefits of various governance approaches. This research weaves technical insights from astrodynamics into the broader conversations surrounding space policy.

The ongoing efforts of Borowitz, Roberts, and their research teams signify a crucial step toward ensuring a sustainable and navigable space environment for all stakeholders. The roadmap to safer skies above is progressively becoming clearer, setting the stage for a harmonious coexistence in the final frontier.