Crowded Satellite Orbits Put Space Sustainability in Global Focus

Space Sustainability in Focus as Crowded Satellite Orbits Raise Global Concerns

As thousands of satellites continue to operate above Earth, global attention is increasing on how to keep orbital space safe, coordinated, and usable for the long term.The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through its latest Space Connect webinar, highlighted key points from recent global discussions on space sustainability. The discussion focused on the growing need for cooperation as satellite activity expands and space-based services become more important for daily life on Earth.

Today, satellites support many essential services, including communications, weather forecasting, navigation, emergency response, and digital connectivity. But as more satellites enter orbit, the challenge of keeping space safe and reliable is becoming more complex.

What space sustainability means

Krystal Azelton, Senior Director for Program Planning at the Secure World Foundation, described space sustainability as a broad issue. She said the key question is how to maintain a space environment that remains safe, secure, peaceful, and usable for the long-term benefit of humanity.

The discussion noted that space sustainability includes many practical areas. These include mission planning, radio-frequency spectrum coordination, repair and retrieval of failed satellite systems, and the impact of changing space weather.

Together, these factors show that space sustainability is not only about launching satellites. It is also about managing orbital activity responsibly after satellites are deployed.

A concern for all countries

As space becomes more crowded and commercial activity grows, the issue is no longer limited to wealthy or long-established space nations.

Alexandre Vallet, Chief of the Space Services Department at ITU, said space sustainability is not an issue only for rich space-faring countries. He emphasized that all nations and all actors need to be involved in discussions about the future of space sustainability.

This point is important because many countries now depend on satellite-based services, even if they do not operate large space programmes. According to the ITU discussion, nearly two thirds of countries now operate their own satellites, while many others hope to gain access to space capabilities in the future.

Vallet also noted that space sustainability is not only about the present. It is also about the future, including countries and actors that may access space later. He said those future users should also be included in today’s discussions.

Global forums show rising interest

Recent international meetings have shown growing attention to the issue.

The second ITU Space Sustainability Forum, held in Geneva in late 2025, attracted more than 6,000 participants and viewers from around the world. The level of participation reflected rising interest in areas such as improved data sharing in orbit.

Another major meeting, the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability, was co-hosted by the Secure World Foundation in partnership with the French National Centre for Space Studies and the Government of France. That summit also helped move forward practical approaches for maintaining long-term activity in Earth’s orbital environment.

These forums show that space sustainability is becoming a serious global policy topic, not only a technical concern for satellite operators.

Coordination is needed at every level

For ITU, space sustainability is closely linked to its long-standing role in radio spectrum management. Satellite services depend on clear radio signals, and harmful interference between satellite systems can affect services delivered to people and businesses on the ground.

Vallet highlighted the need to keep radio signals clear, protect spacecraft, and allow satellite operators to provide reliable services to customers on Earth.

The discussion also pointed out that spectrum coordination requires action at many levels. Even within national governments, different departments may have different goals for space policy and spectrum use.

Vallet advised countries to develop a whole-of-government approach to space, especially as space-related activity becomes more complicated.

Defence activity adds complexity

The webinar also noted that military use of space is creating new coordination challenges.

Krystal Azelton said defence-driven innovation is moving much faster than international regulatory agreements. She noted that the rapid growth of dual-use systems, without matching regulatory clarity, can create new operational risks for all space users.

She also said much of the current money in the space sector is coming from defence, but those needs are not being well coordinated with the wider civil and commercial community.

This makes coordination between military, civil, and commercial space users increasingly important.

Oversight without slowing growth

Another major challenge is how to manage old, broken, or failed satellites and the debris they can create.

Azelton suggested that international cooperation on space issues should be seen as a strategic necessity rather than only a regulatory burden. She described space sustainability as a basic element that supports growth, adding that balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship is important for the long life of the space environment.

At the same time, creating oversight rules for such a fast-moving sector is difficult. Azelton noted that regulators cannot fully regulate things that do not yet exist, but they also cannot wait until problems appear.

This shows the challenge facing governments and international bodies: they must encourage innovation while also protecting the orbital environment for future use.

Trust and transparency remain essential

The ITU discussion also emphasized the importance of trust, transparency, and data sharing.

Platforms such as the ITU Space Sustainability Forum, the Summit for Space Sustainability, and ITU’s monthly Space Connect webinars are helping governments, regulators, space agencies, and satellite companies exchange views and build cooperation.

In 2025, Space Connect webinar topics included low Earth orbit satellite authorizations, ground infrastructure, humanitarian assistance, and emergency response applications. ITU and its partners are continuing these discussions in 2026, with future sessions expected to cover direct-to-device policy, Earth observation, climate monitoring, emergency response, machine-to-machine communications, cislunar communications, digital infrastructure resilience, and ICT policy innovation.

Why this matters

Space is now deeply connected to daily life on Earth. Satellite systems support communication networks, weather information, emergency alerts, transport systems, and many digital services.

As more satellites are launched, the need for responsible coordination becomes stronger. Without clear cooperation, crowded orbits, signal interference, debris, and unclear rules could affect the reliability of satellite services.

The issue is therefore not only about space technology. It is also about global connectivity, public safety, economic activity, and future access to space.

Key points from the article

The ITU Space Connect webinar highlighted growing concern about crowded satellite orbits.
Space sustainability means keeping space safe, secure, peaceful, and usable for the long term.
Krystal Azelton of the Secure World Foundation said the issue is about protecting the long-term benefit of humanity.
Alexandre Vallet of ITU said space sustainability is not only for rich space-faring nations but for all countries and actors.
Nearly two thirds of countries now operate their own satellites, while many others aim to access space in the future.
The second ITU Space Sustainability Forum in Geneva attracted more than 6,000 participants and viewers worldwide.
The 7th Summit for Space Sustainability also advanced practical approaches for long-term orbital activity.
ITU’s main concern includes preventing harmful interference between satellite signals.
National coordination is becoming more difficult as different government departments deal with space and spectrum policy.
Military and dual-use satellite systems are adding new coordination challenges.
Space debris and failed satellites raise questions about regulation and oversight.
Trust, transparency, and data sharing are becoming essential for future space operations.
Future ITU Space Connect sessions will cover direct-to-device policy, Earth observation, climate monitoring, emergency response, machine-to-machine communication, and cislunar communication.

The article is based on International Telecommunication Union (ITU), “Next steps to keep crowded satellite lanes open,” published 16 February 2026.

Editorial Note: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It provides analytical insights based on publicly available information and does not constitute financial, legal, or political advice. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and expert advisors for verified guidance.