Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a modeling framework to reduce the growing risk of satellite collisions in Earth’s orbit. As constellations expand, collision probability increases — threatening long-term space sustainability.

The study integrates safety considerations into early mission design, showing how satellite size and altitude directly affect debris risk. The goal is to resolve a growing paradox: satellites are essential for climate monitoring, yet their proliferation endangers the very orbital environment they depend on.

This approach aims to preserve both high-quality Earth observation and the future stability of near-Earth space.

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