Editorial | US and China should cooperate to make space safe for all
Space safety is one area where Chinese, Americans and everyone else can benefit from coordination and the sharing of information and costs
The Tiangong episode, which fortunately was quickly resolved, is a reminder of the growing danger of orbiting space junk. An intensifying race between spacefaring nations and the rapid commercialisation of space means the problem, which could one day cause fatalities, will only get worse unless governments and companies agree to cooperate to address it.
The next generation of telecommunications, the increasing reliance of online connections on orbiting networks of small satellites and advanced spacecraft carrying professional astronauts – and eventually space tourists – all make space missions and travel increasingly busy and therefore more dangerous. Tiny bits of space debris could have catastrophic consequences. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
When it comes to the space race, there is virtually no cooperation between the two main competitors, China and the United States. The International Space Station allows Russians on board but not Chinese. Space safety is one area where Chinese, Americans and everyone else can benefit from cooperation, coordination and the sharing of information and costs. A global network is currently tracking thousands of pieces of junk clogging up low Earth orbit.
New technology is being developed that could knock some low-orbiting junk into the atmosphere so it can safely burn out on descent. A global warning system, shared rescue and repair procedures, a common code of conduct and international treaties and protocols – just like those for today’s sea travels, which were once also hazardous – need to be in place for everyone’s protection.