CREATING EFFECTIVE COUNTER-MEASURES AGAINST SPACE DEBRIS IN AFRICAN COUNTRIES, Jan 30, 2025, virtual, 7:00 am ET

Space in Africa will hold a webinar on January 30, 2025 at 12:00 pm GMT (7:00 am EST) on the topic: “Creating Effective Counter-Measures Against Space Debris in African Countries.”

Participants are:

More information is on the event’s website, which says (in part):

As Africa’s engagement in space activities expands, the issue of space debris has become increasingly pertinent. Recent incidents, such as the crash of a separation ring from a launch vehicle from the sky and landing in Mukuku Village, Makueni County in Kenya in December 2024, the space debris from a U.S.-based SpaceX satellite launch fell in western Uganda, causing property damage over a 40-kilometre area, and sightings of possible space debris streaking across southern skies in Ethiopia, highlight the immediate risks posed by falling debris to both space infrastructure and terrestrial communities. Ideally, space debris is expected to burn up on reentry; however, in some cases, larger fragments survive and land—often in the ocean, but in more dire scenarios, in populated areas. These remnants can be toxic, causing significant property damage and posing serious threats to human life. This webinar will assess the impact of space debris on African nations, explore mitigation strategies, and examine international legal frameworks, including the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention, which outline the responsibilities of spacefaring nations regarding debris management.

Key discussion points will include an analysis of recent space debris incidents in Africa, risks posed to African satellites and ground infrastructure, and emerging technological solutions for debris tracking, collision avoidance, and removal. The session will also explore global best practices from regions like Europe and Asia in managing space debris re-entry, offering actionable insights for African countries. Further discussions will address the importance of building local capacity for debris monitoring, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring fair allocation of responsibilities for damages caused by space debris. The webinar aims to share strategies to safeguard the continent’s space assets and populations while contributing to a sustainable and secure space environment by equipping African nations with the knowledge and tools to address these challenges.

Webinar Objectives:

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by space debris, learn actionable steps to mitigate risks, and receive policy recommendations to strengthen Africa’s space ecosystem. The webinar is also expected to identify avenues for regional and international collaboration, ensuring African nations are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to safeguard the continent’s space assets and populations. …