Constellation growth requires international rules

China’s CSCN constellation has started taking shape, with nearly a hundred satellites operational in low Earth orbit (LEO) by the end of August 2025.

Like other major LEO systems, it is poised for rapid growth to support satellite communication services globally.

While mega-constellations can drive social and economic progress and inclusive development on Earth, they present growing sustainability challenges in the orbital environment.

As a constellation system operator, we believe the top issue currently impeding space sustainability is the lack of international rules and mechanisms in our field. Rules can establish the necessary balance between careful use of orbital resources and reliable, highest-quality network services.

For instance, when two orbital shells belonging to different constellations come into proximity, collision avoidance manoeuvres may be required. Executing such manoeuvres consumes fuel, shortening the operational life of the satellites involved. It also disrupts inter-satellite link stability, thereby reducing the reliability and availability for customers on Earth.

Reasonable regulation for such situations is imperative.

Over the next five to ten years, the number of satellites in orbit globally is expected to reach tens of thousands. Amid this surge of space traffic, the absence of effective international rules to ensure sustainability poses growing challenges.

At the same time, increased attention to space sustainability issues among regulators and the industry presents a timely opportunity to establish effective international regulations.

Orderly space development

Space and satellite governance, of course, requires enhanced international cooperation. National regulatory authorities, constellation system operators, and other relevant parties around the world should work together to formulate effective international rules and mechanisms.

United Nations agencies with key space-related mandates could focus on macro-level policies and planning, along with continuing to promote space object management and debris mitigation.