Active decisions to reduce space debris

Space debris refers to non-functional, human-made objects in orbit around Earth, including defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration.

These objects pose a risk to operational satellites, spacecraft, and the International Space Station due to potential collisions at high speeds. The accumulation of debris has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of space operations — where collisions generate more debris, increasing the likelihood of further collisions—being a key risk.

Protection of environments beyond the boundaries of Earth is an area where awareness is currently insufficient and where joint efforts are required. International efforts are made within both the UN and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), and several nations have established guidelines that cover how the satellites should be managed before, during, and after their mission has ended.

At Ovzon

Since its founding, Ovzon has been committed to creating a service with little or no contribution to the accumulation of space debris. The company’s specially crafted satellite, Ovzon 3, was designed, manufactured, and tested to safely exit the geostationary orbit, positioned 36,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The debris ends up in the “graveyard orbit”, 300 kilometers away from the geostationary orbit. Furthermore, the company continually monitors the satellite’s health and status and promptly addresses any potential faults that could hinder effective space waste management.

Ovzon complies with the Swedish Space Activities Act, and all the company’s partners for satellite manufacture, launch, and operation comply with the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines from the IADC. The regulations describe how space debris should be avoided, minimized, and managed internationally. Ovzon is also a member of the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), which works for responsible operations in space and ensures future accessibility to space.