Byteside
  • Newsletter
  • Podcasts
Twitter Facebook Instagram RSS
Twitter Twitch LinkedIn RSS Instagram Facebook
Byteside
  • Newsletter
  • Podcasts
Twitter Twitch LinkedIn RSS Instagram Facebook
Byteside

NASA and Space X agree to not smash each other’s satellites

Hope CorriganBy Hope CorriganMarch 24, 2021

Earth’s orbit is hot real estate for satellites, but things could very easily get messy and go wrong up there. Thousands of contraptions hurtling around our planet, it’s a wonder they don’t whack into each other.

Especially with how many extras Space X wants to launch. Which is why it makes sense that they’re signing an agreement with NASA to share information.

Well that’s partially a lie. It’s not a wonder they don’t whack into each other. It’s all actually very carefully planned out. You can put that existential nightmare to bed.

Usually, when a satellite is being launched NASA has a standard Conjunction Assessment process. This is still being refined but it’s essentially a risk assessment for satellites. It involves calculations and also actionable solutions to potential future satellite smashes.

Space X is seriously ramping up their satellite output, especially with the Starlink satellite internet solution which has even been announced for Australia, with pricing. There’s already thousands, but this number will likely turn to tens of thousands sooner rather than later.

Due to this influx of high speed orbiting hunks of metal, the two organisations have signed an agreement in which they will keep each other informed of satellite activity. It also outlines what will happen if a collision could occur, so both parties don’t wind up making alterations that counter each other out.

No word on where Amazon will chime in on this yet.

Satellites in general are just an awkward area. More and more companies are launching their own as the world relies more heavily on digital communications. Space may be infinite, but what works for us in orbit isn’t. We’re probably going to need to find a better solution than a bazillion individual floating balls of space junk complete with corporate stickers littering our skies.


Some Byteside outbound links may include affiliate programs to support Byteside’s operations. Our recommendations and review commentary remain independent of any potential revenue that may come through including such links.

Hope Corrigan

Secretly several dogs stacked on top of one another in a large coat, Hope has a habit of getting far too excited about all things videogames and tech. She loves the new accomplishments and ideas humanity conjures and believes in a future where we work for the betterment of all. Until then, she does her best to bring light by sharing her excitements with you here. You can also find her screaming into the void on Twitter.

nasa space space x

Previously on Byteside...

Technology

Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin’s motley crew lifts off in just hours: here’s how to watch

Technology

Branson, Bezos, and the Kármán line: how everybody wins this month’s space race

Science

NASA’s Martian helicopter just keeps crushing its targets

Comments are closed.

Get On It
Follow us
  • Twitter
  • Twitch
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Latest
Hamster in the palm of a hand

Why one cute hamster says everything you need to know about what online learning should be

Best budget laptops for 2022

The best budget laptops for 2022

Apple iPhone SE 3rd gen colours midnight, starlight and red - best budget phones

The 5 best budget phones in 2022

LG C1 OLED TV - Best TVs

The best TVs: 4K, OLED, QLED and more

best laptops

The best laptops for work, gaming and more

Byteside mug ad
Twitter Twitch LinkedIn RSS Instagram Facebook
© 2022 Byteside Pty Ltd

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.