Why Are Space Experts Warning Congress About Satellite Safety?
When you hear that both the U.S. Space Force and major private space companies are sounding the alarm to Congress, it’s not just bureaucratic noise. They’re worried about something very real: the growing risk of satellite collisions in Earth’s orbit. The concern? A proposed plan to defund a critical satellite crash avoidance service, which could leave both government and commercial satellites flying blind.
What Does Satellite Crash Avoidance Actually Do?
Think of satellite crash avoidance as air traffic control for space. Every day, thousands of satellites and pieces of debris zip around the planet at speeds faster than a bullet. The U.S. military has long provided tracking data and collision warnings to satellite operators worldwide. This information helps companies and agencies move their satellites out of harm’s way, preventing catastrophic crashes that could create even more dangerous debris.
If this service gets defunded, operators would lose access to the most reliable, up-to-date warnings. The result? More near-misses, more actual collisions, and a higher risk of a chain reaction known as the Kessler Syndrome—where debris from one crash triggers more crashes, making parts of orbit unusable for decades.
Why Is There So Much Junk in Space Anyway?
Space isn’t as empty as it looks. According to the European Space Agency, there are over 36,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters currently being tracked, and millions of smaller fragments. Each one is a potential bullet. With more private companies launching satellites (think Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon’s Project Kuiper), the traffic jam is only getting worse.
A single collision can turn a functioning satellite into thousands of new fragments. The 2009 crash between an Iridium communications satellite and a defunct Russian satellite created over 2,000 pieces of debris alone. That’s why experts are so adamant: without robust tracking and avoidance, the risk multiplies fast.
Who Would Be Affected If the Service Is Cut?
It’s not just government satellites at risk. Commercial operators, weather forecasters, GPS providers, and even universities rely on this data. Lose it, and you’re asking everyone to fly blind. Some private companies are developing their own tracking systems, but these are still years away from matching the military’s accuracy and coverage. Smaller operators, in particular, would be left vulnerable.
And let’s not forget the ripple effect. A major collision could knock out communications, disrupt navigation, or even threaten astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The economic cost? Estimates from the Secure World Foundation suggest a single major satellite collision could cause hundreds of millions in damages—not counting the loss of essential services.
Is There a Better Way to Manage Space Traffic?
Many experts argue that the U.S. should be investing more, not less, in space traffic management. Some suggest moving the responsibility from the military to a civilian agency like the Department of Commerce, which could modernize the system and make it more transparent. Others point to international cooperation as key—after all, space debris doesn’t respect borders.
There’s also a push for new technology: smarter satellites that can dodge debris autonomously, better sensors to track smaller fragments, and even ambitious cleanup missions. But these solutions need time and funding to become reality.
What Can Be Done to Prevent a Real Disaster?
The consensus among space professionals is clear: don’t pull the plug on the current warning system until something better is in place. Congress has the power to maintain funding and push for a smoother transition to a modern, civilian-run system. In the meantime, satellite operators are urging for better sharing of tracking data and more international coordination.
The big takeaway? Keeping space safe isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. If we want to keep reaping the benefits of satellites—from weather forecasts to global internet—we can’t afford to gamble with the safety net that keeps them out of harm’s way.
