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<th>Latest version</th>

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<td>February 14, 2020</td>

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<h2>Business Brief</h2>

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Objects in high geosynchronous orbit, such as satellites, match the Earth's rotation and appear stationary, although they may drift north or south. <ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref> Whereas LEO objects move at extremely high speeds and are not fixed in space in relation to the Earth. <ref> Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/8044/low-earth-orbit-leo </ref> Geosynchronous satellites orbit in time with the Earth’s rotation at about 3.06 x 103 meters per second, whereas an LEO-satellite might travel at 7.78 x 103 meters per second, revolving around the Earth many times a day. An object in LEO is closer to the Earth which causes the object to orbit faster due to the Earth’s gravity. The ISS revolves around the Earth at 28,000 km/hr, completing one revolution around the Earth in 90 minutes for a total of 16 Earth revolutions per day, covering multiple regions of the Earth at different times.<ref> Quora Contributor (2017, October 3) [https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/10/03/how-does-the-iss-travel-around-the-earth/#1aedf536141f How Does the ISS Travel Around The World] Retrieved from forbes</ref>

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Objects in high geosynchronous orbit, such as satellites, match the Earth's rotation and appear stationary, although they may drift north or south.<ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref> Whereas LEO objects move at extremely high speeds and are not fixed in space in relation to the Earth.<ref> Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/8044/low-earth-orbit-leo </ref> Geosynchronous satellites orbit in time with the Earth’s rotation at about 3.06 x 103 meters per second, whereas an LEO-satellite might travel at 7.78 x 103 meters per second, revolving around the Earth many times a day. An object in LEO is closer to the Earth which causes the object to orbit faster due to the Earth’s gravity. The ISS revolves around the Earth at 28,000 km/hr, completing one revolution around the Earth in 90 minutes for a total of 16 Earth revolutions per day, covering multiple regions of the Earth at different times.<ref> Quora Contributor (2017, October 3) [https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/10/03/how-does-the-iss-travel-around-the-earth/#1aedf536141f How Does the ISS Travel Around The World] Retrieved from forbes</ref>

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However, LEO objects tend to be satellites, and are used mainly for data communication such as email, video conferencing and paging. LEO-satellites are also used for military reconnaissance, spying, and other imaging applications. <ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref> Additionally, LEO-based telecommunication systems can provide sparsely populated territories and underdeveloped countries with the ability to acquire satellite telephone service in areas where it otherwise would be too costly or even impossible to put up telecommunication towers or lay land lines.<ref> Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/8044/low-earth-orbit-leo </ref>

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However, LEO objects tend to be satellites, and are used mainly for data communication such as email, video conferencing and paging. LEO-satellites are also used for military reconnaissance, spying, and other imaging applications.<ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref> Additionally, LEO-based telecommunication systems can provide sparsely populated territories and underdeveloped countries with the ability to acquire satellite telephone service in areas where it otherwise would be too costly or even impossible to put up telecommunication towers or lay land lines.<ref> Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.techopedia.com/definition/8044/low-earth-orbit-leo </ref>

In 1998, the first LOE satellite systems started providing services. The LEO technology allows users to make and receive telephone calls from anywhere in the world through a single, small, hand-held transmitter. Unlike the traditional geostationary (GEO) satellites which remain at a fixed point higher above the Earth, the LEO systems provide global coverage by employing multiple satellites which orbit the earth at a relatively low altitude. Most of the man-made objects orbiting Earth today are in LEO.

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<h2>Technology Brief</h2>

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Technically, a LEO satellite requires the lowest amount of energy for placement since it is closer to earth than high orbit satellites. In order to maintain a LEO, a satellite must have a sufficient orbital velocity, generally 7.8 km/second. They will remain in orbit until they run out of fuel. The last bit of fuel is actually being used to slow them down. That way they will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere. <ref> Where Do Old Satellites go When They Die? (2019, June 28) Retrieved from https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/spacecraft-graveyard/en/</ref> NOAA, NASA and other US and international organizations are keeping track of all the satellites in space. When a satellite is launched, it is placed into a specific orbit to avoid collisions with others. However, collisions are inevitable, sometimes a satellite will fall out this orbit and potentially collide with another one.

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Technically, a LEO satellite requires the lowest amount of energy for placement since it is closer to earth than high orbit satellites. In order to maintain a LEO, a satellite must have a sufficient orbital velocity, generally 7.8 km/second. They will remain in orbit until they run out of fuel. The last bit of fuel is actually being used to slow them down. That way they will fall out of orbit and burn up in the atmosphere.<ref> Where Do Old Satellites go When They Die? (2019, June 28) Retrieved from https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/spacecraft-graveyard/en/</ref> NOAA, NASA and other US and international organizations are keeping track of all the satellites in space. When a satellite is launched, it is placed into a specific orbit to avoid collisions with others. However, collisions are inevitable, sometimes a satellite will fall out this orbit and potentially collide with another one.

As LEO is much closer to the Earth, the LEO-satellite provide better signal strength and high bandwidth since the signal travels less distance and therefore can reach its intended receiver much faster as well. It also eliminates the communication latency since the signal has least propagation delay comparing to the signal emitted from other orbits due to the closeness of LEO to the earth. With the lower latency, it can be used for real time critical applications. By being close to the earth, LEO-satellite are also used for earth observation and spying.

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<h2>Industry Use</h2>

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The global space marketplace has evolved and grown over the past decade. From a valuation of $176 billion in 2006, the global space marketplace has expanded to an estimate exceeding $345 billion in 2018. Perhaps the clearest illustration of the expanding interests of the private sector in space endeavors is the growth in venture capital investments over the past 2 decades. Consider that from 2000 through 2014, space start-ups received a total of $1.1 billion in venture capital investments, or roughly $73 million per year. In 2015 alone, more than $1.8 billion in venture capital investments were made. In 2016, more than 100 investors contributed $2.8 billion into 43 space-related start-up companies in 49 deals, with an average deal size of $57.1 million. In 2017, more than 120 investors contributed $3.9 billion into commercial space companies—an investment increase of nearly 40% within one year.<ref> Johnson, M. (2019, July 9) [https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/b4h-3rd/ev-emerging-commercial-market-in-leo The Emerging Commercial Marketplace in Low-Earth Orbit] Retrieved from NASA </ref>

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The global space marketplace has evolved and grown over the past decade. From a valuation of $176 billion in 2006, the global space marketplace has expanded to an estimate exceeding $345 billion in 2018. Perhaps the clearest illustration of the expanding interests of the private sector in space endeavors is the growth in venture capital investments over the past 2 decades. Consider that from 2000 through 2014, space start-ups received a total of $1.1 billion in venture capital investments, or roughly $73 million per year. In 2015 alone, more than $1.8 billion in venture capital investments were made. In 2016, more than 100 investors contributed $2.8 billion into 43 space-related start-up companies in 49 deals, with an average deal size of $57.1 million. In 2017, more than 120 investors contributed $3.9 billion into commercial space companies—an investment increase of nearly 40% within one year.<ref> Johnson, M. (2019, July 9) [https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/b4h-3rd/ev-emerging-commercial-market-in-leo The Emerging Commercial Marketplace in Low-Earth Orbit] Retrieved from NASA </ref>

With the advantage of high bandwidth and low latency, a LEO satellite can be used for telecommunication, such as telephone and data. The Iridium satellite constellation is an example of communication satellite system which orbits in a LEO. This satellite system is of 66 active communication satellites and spares around the Earth. It allows worldwide voice and data communications using handheld devices. The Iridium network is unique in that it covers the whole earth, including poles, oceans and airways. The satellites are frequently visible in the night sky as short-lived bright flashes, known as Iridium flares.

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<h2>Canadian Government Use</h2>

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In Budget 2019, the Federal government has announced $1.7 billion CAD of funding for the Connect to Innovate program as well as for the creation of the new Universal Broadband Fund. Part of the Universal Broadband Fund will be directed towards securing low-latency LEO satellite capacity for broadband internet. <ref> Building a Better Canada: Universal High-Speed Internet (2019, March 19) Retrieved from https://www.budget.gc.ca/2019/docs/nrc/infrastructure-infrastructures-internet-en.html </ref>The aim of this initiative is to offer universal access to affordable, reliable, and high speed broadband connectivity to Canadians, no matter where they are located, and allow them to access the internet.

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In Budget 2019, the Federal government has announced $1.7 billion CAD of funding for the Connect to Innovate program as well as for the creation of the new Universal Broadband Fund. Part of the Universal Broadband Fund will be directed towards securing low-latency LEO satellite capacity for broadband internet.<ref> Building a Better Canada: Universal High-Speed Internet (2019, March 19) Retrieved from https://www.budget.gc.ca/2019/docs/nrc/infrastructure-infrastructures-internet-en.html </ref> The aim of this initiative is to offer universal access to affordable, reliable, and high speed broadband connectivity to Canadians, no matter where they are located, and allow them to access the internet.

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In July of 2019, the Government of Canada partnered with Telesat for the development of a LEO satellite constellation that will provide high-speed internet connectivity across Canada, with a focus on rural and remote communities in the North. The GC has pledged $85 million CAD in funding through the Strategic Innovation Fund for Telesat to develop and test its planned LEO constellation. <ref>Memorandum of understanding between Industry Canada and Telesat Canada (2019, July 24) Retrieved from http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf11543.html#_blank </ref>There is also a proposed contribution on the part of the GC of up to $600 million CAD to Telesat over a 10 year period to support the company’s deployment efforts. <ref> Simmons, L. (2019, July 24) [https://www.telesat.com/news-events-government-canada-and-telesat-partner-bridge-canadas-digital-divide-through-low-earth The Government of Canada and Telesat Partner to Bridge Canada’s Digital Divide through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Technology, Over $1 Billion in Revenue for Telesat expected] Retrieved from Telesat </ref> The constellation will be stationed at an approximate altitude of 1000km and nearly 120 satellites will be included in the constellation. <ref>The Canadian Press (2019, July 24) https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/07/24/canada-invests-85m-into-advanced-satellites-to-connect-rural-remote-regions/ Canada invests $85M into advanced satellites to connect rural, remote regions Retrieved from CityNews</ref>

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In July of 2019, the Government of Canada partnered with Telesat for the development of a LEO satellite constellation that will provide high-speed internet connectivity across Canada, with a focus on rural and remote communities in the North. The GC has pledged $85 million CAD in funding through the Strategic Innovation Fund for Telesat to develop and test its planned LEO constellation.<ref>Memorandum of understanding between Industry Canada and Telesat Canada (2019, July 24) Retrieved from http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/smt-gst.nsf/eng/sf11543.html#_blank </ref> There is also a proposed contribution on the part of the GC of up to $600 million CAD to Telesat over a 10 year period to support the company’s deployment efforts.<ref> Simmons, L. (2019, July 24) [https://www.telesat.com/news-events-government-canada-and-telesat-partner-bridge-canadas-digital-divide-through-low-earth The Government of Canada and Telesat Partner to Bridge Canada’s Digital Divide through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Technology, Over $1 Billion in Revenue for Telesat expected] Retrieved from Telesat </ref> The constellation will be stationed at an approximate altitude of 1000km and nearly 120 satellites will be included in the constellation.<ref>The Canadian Press (2019, July 24) https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/07/24/canada-invests-85m-into-advanced-satellites-to-connect-rural-remote-regions/ Canada invests $85M into advanced satellites to connect rural, remote regions Retrieved from CityNews</ref>

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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has upgraded its earth monitoring capabilities with the launch of the RADARSAT Constellation: a trio of satellites at an altitude of 600km that take images of the earth and they equipped with radar and ship detection technology to monitor Canada’s coasts.<ref> What is the RCM? (2019, June 12) Retrieved from http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/radarsat/what-is-rcm.asp </ref>The main uses for the constellation include monitoring the environment, oceans, ice conditions in northern communities, and supporting emergency response teams during natural disasters.

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The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has upgraded its earth monitoring capabilities with the launch of the RADARSAT Constellation: a trio of satellites at an altitude of 600km that take images of the earth and they equipped with radar and ship detection technology to monitor Canada’s coasts.<ref> What is the RCM? (2019, June 12) Retrieved from http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/satellites/radarsat/what-is-rcm.asp </ref> The main uses for the constellation include monitoring the environment, oceans, ice conditions in northern communities, and supporting emergency response teams during natural disasters.

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LEO satellites have been used by GC for Voice and Data Services, Geolocation Tracking Services, Short-burst Data and Iridium Router-based Data Services through Iridium satellite constellation providers. With Iridium satellites, Parks Canada rangers and fire wardens use Iridium satellite phones and pagers to report possible emergency situations, such as fires. Environment and Climate Change Canada have buoys equipped with Iridium transceivers, which are used to transmit surface current, sea-surface temperatures and provide GPS positioning, among other information, of the buoys at sea. The Department of National Defence uses the Iridium systems tracking and messaging equipment and services to track and send messages to their personnel for operations.<ref>Iridium Satellite Services Contract Award (2017, July 26) Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/news/2017/07/_iridium_satelliteservicescontractaward.html </ref>

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LEO satellites have been used by GC for Voice and Data Services, Geolocation Tracking Services, Short-burst Data and Iridium Router-based Data Services through Iridium satellite constellation providers. With Iridium satellites, Parks Canada rangers and fire wardens use Iridium satellite phones and pagers to report possible emergency situations, such as fires. Environment and Climate Change Canada have buoys equipped with Iridium transceivers, which are used to transmit surface current, sea-surface temperatures and provide GPS positioning, among other information, of the buoys at sea. The Department of National Defence uses the Iridium systems tracking and messaging equipment and services to track and send messages to their personnel for operations.<ref>Iridium Satellite Services Contract Award (2017, July 26) Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/news/2017/07/_iridium_satelliteservicescontractaward.html </ref>

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<h4>Value Proposition</h4>

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At present, Shared Services Canada (SSC) already uses LEO satellite systems from Iriduim, Inmarsat, MSAT, and Globalstar<ref> Satellite-For Administrators (2019, July 9) Retrieved from http://service.ssc-spc.gc.ca/en/services/infrastructure/network-infra/satellite-admin </ref> to deliver satellite-based voice, fax, data and geolocation services that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. In 2017, SSC awarded three Iridium Satellite Services contracts totalling $13.2M to MetOcean Telematics and Track24 Canada for them to continue the Government of Canada’s provision of satellite services. <ref> Milestones in the Collaborative Procurement Solutions Approach (2016, November 8)Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/telecommunications-transformation/industry-engagement.html</ref>

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At present, Shared Services Canada (SSC) already uses LEO satellite systems from Iriduim, Inmarsat, MSAT, and Globalstar<ref> Satellite-For Administrators (2019, July 9) Retrieved from http://service.ssc-spc.gc.ca/en/services/infrastructure/network-infra/satellite-admin </ref> to deliver satellite-based voice, fax, data and geolocation services that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. In 2017, SSC awarded three Iridium Satellite Services contracts totalling $13.2M to MetOcean Telematics and Track24 Canada for them to continue the Government of Canada’s provision of satellite services.<ref> Milestones in the Collaborative Procurement Solutions Approach (2016, November 8)Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/shared-services/corporate/telecommunications-transformation/industry-engagement.html</ref>

The growth being seen in the LEO satellite market can be leveraged to complement the services that SSC already offers. As a service provider for the Government of Canada, SSC’s satellite team will be able to offer high-speed internet access at a lower cost to other departments that have operations in rural and remote communities. Additionally, the partnerships with satellite communication companies that SSC has already solidified could bring along with it some valued aid in delivering services.

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Being closer to the earth has an obvious benefit for many types of earth observational satellites by resolving smaller subjects with greater detail.

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LEO-satellites made for communications benefit from the lower signal propagation delay. This lower propagation delay results in less data transmission latency. <ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref> Due to their lower orbit, LEO-satellites are generally less costly to place as they require a great deal less rocket power to place. As compared to geosynchronous satellites at 36,000 km, LEO-satellites travel through a much denser atmosphere and thus experience far more aerodynamic drag. This means they require more power to travel at higher speeds and make corrections to maintain their lower orbits.<ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref>

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LEO-satellites made for communications benefit from the lower signal propagation delay. This lower propagation delay results in less data transmission latency.<ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref> Due to their lower orbit, LEO-satellites are generally less costly to place as they require a great deal less rocket power to place. As compared to geosynchronous satellites at 36,000 km, LEO-satellites travel through a much denser atmosphere and thus experience far more aerodynamic drag. This means they require more power to travel at higher speeds and make corrections to maintain their lower orbits.<ref> Rouse, M. (2019, August) [https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/low-earth-orbit-LEO-satellite low earth orbit (LEO) satellite] Retrieved from whatis </ref>

<h4>Challenges</h4>

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The European Space Agency estimates that nearly 166 million objects that range in size from less than 1mm to the size of a refrigerator are orbiting around the Earth at average speeds of 10km/second or 36,000 km/hour.<ref> Mortillaro, N. (2018, February 26) [https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/space-debris-1.4545467 Space junk threatens to disrupt our daily lives. Here's what experts are trying to do about it] Retrieved from CBC </ref> Any of these objects can cause considerable damage if they were to ever hit active satellites or even the International Space Station, and these impacts can even lead to the creation of more debris.

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A theorized situation called the “Kessler Syndrome”, hypothesizes that a chain reaction of exploding space debris could create a deadly barrier around the earth that will prevent future space endeavours. <ref> Ratner, P. (2018, August 29) [https://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/how-the-kessler-syndrome-can-end-all-space-exploration-and-destroy-modern-life How the Kessler Syndrome can end all space exploration and destroy modern life]Retrieved from Big Think </ref>The NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler (after whom the effect was named) has warned that continued launches into LEO could create a dense environment above the planet where there is an increased likelihood of objects crashing into each other and creating an exponential amount of space debris.

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A theorized situation called the “Kessler Syndrome”, hypothesizes that a chain reaction of exploding space debris could create a deadly barrier around the earth that will prevent future space endeavours.<ref> Ratner, P. (2018, August 29) [https://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/how-the-kessler-syndrome-can-end-all-space-exploration-and-destroy-modern-life How the Kessler Syndrome can end all space exploration and destroy modern life]Retrieved from Big Think </ref> The NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler (after whom the effect was named) has warned that continued launches into LEO could create a dense environment above the planet where there is an increased likelihood of objects crashing into each other and creating an exponential amount of space debris.

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The planned launch of around 120 satellites for the Telesat constellation, as well as all of the proposed 12,000 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, and OneWeb’s 648 satellite constellation, will add considerably more objects to the LEO. The project listed here are not an exhaustive list, and other companies have expressed interest in launching their own constellations. The increase of satellite traffic creates new and unique challenges where no regulatory frameworks have previously been put in place. At present, when an organization seeks approval to launch satellites, they communicate with regulatory bodies from their own countries.<ref> Byers, M. (2019, July 28) [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canada-enters-the-communications-space-race/ With investment in Telesat, Canada enters the communications space race] Retrieved from The Globe and Mail </ref>

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The planned launch of around 120 satellites for the Telesat constellation, as well as all of the proposed 12,000 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, and OneWeb’s 648 satellite constellation, will add considerably more objects to the LEO. The project listed here are not an exhaustive list, and other companies have expressed interest in launching their own constellations. The increase of satellite traffic creates new and unique challenges where no regulatory frameworks have previously been put in place. At present, when an organization seeks approval to launch satellites, they communicate with regulatory bodies from their own countries.<ref> Byers, M. (2019, July 28) [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canada-enters-the-communications-space-race/ With investment in Telesat, Canada enters the communications space race] Retrieved from The Globe and Mail </ref>

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been licensing LEO constellations like OneWeb and Starlink, but this begs the question: does the FFC, a national entity, or any other national organization have the authority to grant access to an international resource? The International Telecommunications Union (UTI), a United Nations organization, allocates the use of radio frequencies and orbital positions in the geostationary satellite orbit, but not yet in low earth orbit.<ref> Mission Statement (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/mission-statement.aspx </ref>There have been talks about expanding their mandate to include it, but the UTI doesn’t yet have that authority.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been licensing LEO constellations like OneWeb and Starlink, but this begs the question: does the FFC, a national entity, or any other national organization have the authority to grant access to an international resource? The International Telecommunications Union (UTI), a United Nations organization, allocates the use of radio frequencies and orbital positions in the geostationary satellite orbit, but not yet in low earth orbit.<ref> Mission Statement (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/information/Pages/mission-statement.aspx </ref> There have been talks about expanding their mandate to include it, but the UTI doesn’t yet have that authority.

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At present, no international body monitors space debris. This task is currently carried out by the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Space Squadron who operates the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), can track objects larger than a softball in LEO and can predict close approaches, re-entries, and the probability of collisions.<ref> Space Debris and Space Traffic Management (2018, November 14) Retrieved from https://aerospace.org/article/space-debris-and-space-traffic-management</ref>The SSN notifies organizations via email <ref> The Associated Press (2019, September 4) [https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/esa-spacex-starlink-1.5269613 European probe dodges SpaceX satellite to avoid collision Retrieved from CBC News] </ref>if satellites are on collision paths, but this system is in the process of being automated but current satellites do not have automatic collision detection capabilities. There are currently no space traffic laws or proper communication protocols for when satellites are on a clear collision course. In 2019, a recently deployed Starlink satellite was on a highly probable collision path with a satellite from the European Space Agency (ESA). Although both organizations were aware of the issue, only the ESA took steps to avoid the collision and changed their satellite’s trajectory. This near miss could have been avoided, had Starlink responded to the emergency and coordinated with the ESA. <ref> 24 Cassella, C. (2019, September 4) [https://www.sciencealert.com/esa-satellite-forced-to-move-aside-for-spacex-s-starlink-for-fear-of-collision Problems Predicted From Satellite Fleets Like SpaceX's Starlink Have Already Started] Retrieved from science alert

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At present, no international body monitors space debris. This task is currently carried out by the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Space Squadron who operates the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), can track objects larger than a softball in LEO and can predict close approaches, re-entries, and the probability of collisions.<ref> Space Debris and Space Traffic Management (2018, November 14) Retrieved from https://aerospace.org/article/space-debris-and-space-traffic-management</ref> The SSN notifies organizations via email <ref> The Associated Press (2019, September 4) [https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/esa-spacex-starlink-1.5269613 European probe dodges SpaceX satellite to avoid collision Retrieved from CBC News] </ref> if satellites are on collision paths, but this system is in the process of being automated but current satellites do not have automatic collision detection capabilities. There are currently no space traffic laws or proper communication protocols for when satellites are on a clear collision course. In 2019, a recently deployed Starlink satellite was on a highly probable collision path with a satellite from the European Space Agency (ESA). Although both organizations were aware of the issue, only the ESA took steps to avoid the collision and changed their satellite’s trajectory. This near miss could have been avoided, had Starlink responded to the emergency and coordinated with the ESA.<ref> 24 Cassella, C. (2019, September 4) [https://www.sciencealert.com/esa-satellite-forced-to-move-aside-for-spacex-s-starlink-for-fear-of-collision Problems Predicted From Satellite Fleets Like SpaceX's Starlink Have Already Started] Retrieved from science alert

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Low earth orbit satellites are close enough to the earth to be affected by atmospheric drag which means they will eventually crash down unless their courses are changed. Current disposal plans for LEO satellites simply involve them re-entering the atmosphere and being burned upon re-entry. <ref> Brodkin, J. (2017, April 10) [https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/10/spacex-and-oneweb-broadband-satellites-raise-fears-about-space-debris/ SpaceX and OneWeb broadband satellites raise fears about space debris] Retrieved from ars technica </ref> Although this is an industry standard, satellites don’t always get burned up completely and crash into the surface of the earth. Point Nemo, a remote uninhabited section of the Pacific Ocean has been designated as a “spacecraft cemetery” and large satellites are directed to crash into that area upon re-entry. <ref> Strickland, K.S. (2015, May 14) [https://gizmodo.com/this-watery-graveyard-holds-161-sunken-spaceships-1703212211 This Watery Graveyard Is the Resting Place for 161 Sunken Spaceships] Retrieved from gizmodo </ref> However, it is difficult to predict where pieces will actually fall, as fragments get broken off of large spacecraft throughout the re-entry process and land in unintended areas. Even with this designated area, there are no regulatory frameworks to enforce re-entry targets and to protect inhabited areas from falling debris.

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Low earth orbit satellites are close enough to the earth to be affected by atmospheric drag which means they will eventually crash down unless their courses are changed. Current disposal plans for LEO satellites simply involve them re-entering the atmosphere and being burned upon re-entry.<ref> Brodkin, J. (2017, April 10) [https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/10/spacex-and-oneweb-broadband-satellites-raise-fears-about-space-debris/ SpaceX and OneWeb broadband satellites raise fears about space debris] Retrieved from ars technica </ref> Although this is an industry standard, satellites don’t always get burned up completely and crash into the surface of the earth. Point Nemo, a remote uninhabited section of the Pacific Ocean has been designated as a “spacecraft cemetery” and large satellites are directed to crash into that area upon re-entry.<ref> Strickland, K.S. (2015, May 14) [https://gizmodo.com/this-watery-graveyard-holds-161-sunken-spaceships-1703212211 This Watery Graveyard Is the Resting Place for 161 Sunken Spaceships] Retrieved from gizmodo </ref> However, it is difficult to predict where pieces will actually fall, as fragments get broken off of large spacecraft throughout the re-entry process and land in unintended areas. Even with this designated area, there are no regulatory frameworks to enforce re-entry targets and to protect inhabited areas from falling debris.

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Current satellite disposal standards indicate that satellites should be de-orbited 25 years after their end of life date.<ref> Brodkin, J. (2017, April 10) [https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/10/spacex-and-oneweb-broadband-satellites-raise-fears-about-space-debris/ SpaceX and OneWeb broadband satellites raise fears about space debris] Retrieved from ars technica </ref>This presents a regulatory gap, as more satellites are placed into LEO than are falling back down. Proposals have been put forward for space sustainability pitching the idea of “one up, one down”. Where for every satellite launched, an inactive one is taken out of orbit. Experiments<ref> Grush, L. (2019, February 15) [https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/15/18226051/satellite-spear-space-debris-harpoon Watch a satellite spear space debris with a harpoon Retrieved from the verge] </ref> are being carried out in orbit to test various debris capture and disposal methods, and there is also the possibility of old satellites being recycled for parts in space. However no formal standards are in place.

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Current satellite disposal standards indicate that satellites should be de-orbited 25 years after their end of life date.<ref> Brodkin, J. (2017, April 10) [https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/10/spacex-and-oneweb-broadband-satellites-raise-fears-about-space-debris/ SpaceX and OneWeb broadband satellites raise fears about space debris] Retrieved from ars technica </ref> This presents a regulatory gap, as more satellites are placed into LEO than are falling back down. Proposals have been put forward for space sustainability pitching the idea of “one up, one down”. Where for every satellite launched, an inactive one is taken out of orbit. Experiments<ref> Grush, L. (2019, February 15) [https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/15/18226051/satellite-spear-space-debris-harpoon Watch a satellite spear space debris with a harpoon Retrieved from the verge] </ref> are being carried out in orbit to test various debris capture and disposal methods, and there is also the possibility of old satellites being recycled for parts in space. However no formal standards are in place.

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Concerns have been put forward by the astronomy and star gazing communities that the increased number of satellites in space will alter the view of the night’s sky. As they pass across the sky, a satellite’s solar panels can reflect the light from the sun back to the earth and create a visible streak. <ref> Drake, N. (2019, May 19) [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/05/elon-musk-starlink-internet-satellites-trouble-for-astronomy-light-pollution/ Will Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites harm astronomy? Here’s what we know] Retrieved from National Geographic </ref> With the increase in satellites, astronomers will need to adjust captured images to eliminate reflected light streaks. Additionally, there have been no studies made yet on the impact of thousands of unnatural light sources on nocturnal life. Satellites will also be operating close to frequencies used by radio astronomers who monitor far away celestial objects, and this can interfere with their operations.<ref> Drake, N. (2019, May 19) [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/05/elon-musk-starlink-internet-satellites-trouble-for-astronomy-light-pollution/ Will Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites harm astronomy? Here’s what we know] Retrieved from National Geographic </ref>

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Concerns have been put forward by the astronomy and star gazing communities that the increased number of satellites in space will alter the view of the night’s sky. As they pass across the sky, a satellite’s solar panels can reflect the light from the sun back to the earth and create a visible streak.<ref> Drake, N. (2019, May 19) [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/05/elon-musk-starlink-internet-satellites-trouble-for-astronomy-light-pollution/ Will Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites harm astronomy? Here’s what we know] Retrieved from National Geographic </ref> With the increase in satellites, astronomers will need to adjust captured images to eliminate reflected light streaks. Additionally, there have been no studies made yet on the impact of thousands of unnatural light sources on nocturnal life. Satellites will also be operating close to frequencies used by radio astronomers who monitor far away celestial objects, and this can interfere with their operations.<ref> Drake, N. (2019, May 19) [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2019/05/elon-musk-starlink-internet-satellites-trouble-for-astronomy-light-pollution/ Will Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites harm astronomy? Here’s what we know] Retrieved from National Geographic </ref>

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Revision as of 15:30, 14 February 2020