A report covering August 2026 indicates a reduced risk level to UK interests from space-related threats, risks, and hazards. This reduction was observed in fewer uncontrolled re-entries, collision alerts, and fragmentations, alongside decreased space weather activity compared to July.
The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) monitored a 13% decrease in objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere in August. Of the 54 objects that re-entered, 47 were satellites, six were rocket bodies, and one was likely debris.
Collision risks for UK-licensed satellites were 25% lower in August than in July, falling below the 12-month rolling average. One fragmentation incident involving a satellite in Low Earth Orbit occurred in August, with assessments ongoing to determine the amount of debris released.
Space weather activity was also lower in August compared to the previous month, consisting of some solar flares and geomagnetic storms. The in-orbit population increased, with 248 objects added to the US Satellite Catalogue.