PD ISO/TR 16158:2021 Space Systems: Avoiding Collisions Among Orbiting Objects

Standard Number: PD ISO/TR 16158:2021

Pages: 40

Released: 2022-04-28

ISBN: 978 0 539 15360 6

Status: Standard

Overview

In the rapidly evolving field of space exploration and satellite deployment, ensuring the safety and longevity of orbiting objects is paramount. The PD ISO/TR 16158:2021 standard, titled Space Systems: Avoiding Collisions Among Orbiting Objects, is an essential document for any organization involved in space missions. This comprehensive 40-page standard, released on April 28, 2022, provides critical guidelines and best practices to prevent collisions in space, thereby safeguarding valuable assets and promoting sustainable space operations.

Why This Standard is Essential

With the increasing number of satellites and other objects being launched into orbit, the risk of collisions has become a significant concern. Collisions can lead to the creation of space debris, which poses a threat to both manned and unmanned missions. The PD ISO/TR 16158:2021 standard addresses these challenges by offering a structured approach to collision avoidance. By adhering to this standard, organizations can minimize the risk of collisions, protect their investments, and contribute to the overall safety of space activities.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard provides detailed instructions on how to monitor and manage the trajectories of orbiting objects to prevent collisions.
• Best Practices: It includes best practices for designing and operating space systems to enhance their ability to avoid collisions.
• Risk Assessment: The document outlines methods for assessing the risk of collisions and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Coordination and Communication: Emphasizes the importance of coordination and communication between different space-faring entities to ensure collective safety.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for a wide range of stakeholders in the space industry, including:

• Satellite Operators: To ensure the safe operation of their satellites and avoid costly collisions.
• Space Agencies: To develop and enforce regulations that promote safe space operations.
• Spacecraft Manufacturers: To design spacecraft that are capable of avoiding collisions.
• Mission Planners: To plan missions that take into account the risk of collisions and implement necessary precautions.

Benefits of Implementing PD ISO/TR 16158:2021

Adopting the PD ISO/TR 16158:2021 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By following the guidelines, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of collisions, ensuring the safety of their assets and personnel.
• Cost Savings: Preventing collisions helps avoid the high costs associated with damage to spacecraft and the creation of space debris.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to this standard helps organizations comply with international regulations and standards for space operations.
• Reputation Management: Demonstrating a commitment to safety and sustainability enhances an organization's reputation in the space industry.

Conclusion

The PD ISO/TR 16158:2021 standard is a vital resource for anyone involved in the design, operation, and management of space systems. By providing a comprehensive framework for avoiding collisions among orbiting objects, this standard helps ensure the safety, sustainability, and success of space missions. Whether you are a satellite operator, space agency, spacecraft manufacturer, or mission planner, implementing the guidelines and best practices outlined in this standard is crucial for protecting your investments and contributing to the long-term viability of space activities.

PD ISO/TR 16158:2021

This standard PD ISO/TR 16158:2021 Space systems. Avoiding collisions among orbiting objects is classified in these ICS categories:

• 49.140 Space systems and operations

This document is a guide for establishing essential collaborative enterprises to sustain the space environment and employ it effectively.

This document describes some widely used techniques for perceiving close approaches, estimating collision probability, estimating the cumulative probability of survival, and manoeuvring to avoid collisions.