Photo: room.eu.com
Given the increasing number of companies that manufacture and launch various types of spacecraft and satellites into space, it was only a matter of time before proper rules and regulations for the build, launch, and operation of these machines were put together.
The International Organization For Standardization, a group responsible for the development of international standards for pretty much everything there is in the world, announced on Thursday the first set of purpose-created technical specifications for small spacecraft.
These specifications list the minimum requirements that every small spacecraft needs to comply with, regardless of its mission. The standard is called ISO/TS 20991 Space systems – Requirements for small spacecraft and details "requirements for various stages of the small spacecraft system life-cycle," from design to safety and debris mitigation.
The need for a standard to govern the creation and operation of small spacecraft comes on the backdrop of the booming space industry. Over the next five years, an estimated 2,600 such objects are expected to be launched in space.
The huge number of satellites is not a problem in itself, but the fact that most are being constructed by newcomers to the industry, some of which possibly unaware of what exactly spacecraft building entails, made ISO step in and lend a hand.
“ISO/TS 20991 will be of great benefit to small spacecraft developers, as well as launch operators, by providing the minimum requirements to ensure their safety and debris mitigation,” said in a statement Paul Gill, ISO chairman.
“It covers everything from the design, launch, deployment, operation, and disposal, which will also give newcomers to the industry a means to access space, typically the domain of large companies and governments.”
Fueled by the rise of private rocket manufacturers and operators, small satellite launches increased by 205 percent in 2017 compared to 2016. That increase is likely to be shattered this year and in the years to come.
These specifications list the minimum requirements that every small spacecraft needs to comply with, regardless of its mission. The standard is called ISO/TS 20991 Space systems – Requirements for small spacecraft and details "requirements for various stages of the small spacecraft system life-cycle," from design to safety and debris mitigation.
The need for a standard to govern the creation and operation of small spacecraft comes on the backdrop of the booming space industry. Over the next five years, an estimated 2,600 such objects are expected to be launched in space.
The huge number of satellites is not a problem in itself, but the fact that most are being constructed by newcomers to the industry, some of which possibly unaware of what exactly spacecraft building entails, made ISO step in and lend a hand.
“ISO/TS 20991 will be of great benefit to small spacecraft developers, as well as launch operators, by providing the minimum requirements to ensure their safety and debris mitigation,” said in a statement Paul Gill, ISO chairman.
“It covers everything from the design, launch, deployment, operation, and disposal, which will also give newcomers to the industry a means to access space, typically the domain of large companies and governments.”
Fueled by the rise of private rocket manufacturers and operators, small satellite launches increased by 205 percent in 2017 compared to 2016. That increase is likely to be shattered this year and in the years to come.
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