Experts launch software to prevent satellite collision with space debris

By Laura Elvin

British tech experts have developed and deployed new software to help prevent satellites from crashing into space junk.

The system by Nottingham-based GMV UK is designed to stop collisions between satellites orbiting close to Earth, where crowded space is making close calls between increasingly common.

The technology was developed in the UK with support from the European Space Agency’s ARTES program and the UK Space Agency.

The software works from the ground, using information from telescopes, radars, and satellite operators to predict when two objects in orbit might get too close, so satellite operators can make adjustments to avoid collisions.

While actual satellite collisions are still rare, near misses are becoming more frequent due to the rapid increase in satellites and space debris.

A single LEO satellite - many of which are used for internet - may face tens of close-call alerts each day.

GMV’s new software for preventing satellite collisions is so advanced that it helped the company win a contract to build a new online platform so everyone in space can 'talk' and coordinate to avoid clashes.

The Space Safety Portal (SSP) for the Space Data Association - a not-for-profit global collection of satellite operators - is expected to begin operating in January 2026 and will let satellite companies, space monitoring services, and international agencies work together more easily.

"Our work on LEO collision avoidance reflects GMV UK’s commitment to advancing space safety through innovation and through partnership", said Mark Dumville, the company's CEO.

The new tech was introduced to the existing safety tools earlier this year by GMV UK, but will become "the core analytical engine of the Space Safety Portal (SSP) for the Space Data Association" in January 2026.

The ground-based software system processes orbit data from telescopes, radars, and operators to predict potential collisions and support avoidance maneuvers.

GMV says while "actual collisions remain rare", that "close approaches have become far more frequent due to the growth of constellations and debris," and thousands of potential clashes are detected daily.

The system monitors objects in Earth's orbit, including active satellites, inactive spacecraft, rocket bodies, and debris fragments, which are as small as just 10cm.