
GMV Wins ESA Contract to Develop Advanced Orbital Neighborhood Monitoring Tool
Category: Science,
2025-05-11 10:25
Spanish technology company GMV has secured a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a new tool for monitoring the orbital environment. This tool aims to improve collision avoidance by extending monitoring capabilities beyond the current standard two-week window, helping satellite operators better anticipate and manage potential risks in Earth's increasingly crowded orbit.
On May 12, 2025, Spanish technology firm GMV announced it has been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop an advanced orbital neighborhood monitoring tool. Traditionally, operational collision avoidance (CA) systems provide satellite operators with predictions and alerts for potential collisions within a short timeframe, typically up to two weeks ahead. This limited window can leave operators unprepared for longer-term risks, especially as Earth's orbit becomes more crowded with active satellites and space debris. The new tool developed by GMV is designed to extend the monitoring period and provide more comprehensive situational awareness in space. By analyzing orbital paths and predicting potential conjunctions over longer periods, the system will enable satellite operators to plan maneuvers more effectively, reduce the risk of collisions, and optimize satellite operations. The initiative reflects growing concerns within the space industry about space traffic management and the sustainability of orbital operations, as the number of satellites and debris in orbit continues to rise. The ESA's decision to fund this project highlights the strategic importance of advanced monitoring technologies for the future of space safety and operations.
Source: Space Daily
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