Risks to UK space interests saw an increase in June 2026, with higher levels of uncontrolled re-entries, collision avoidance alerts, and space weather activity compared to the previous month. All warning and protection services provided by the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) remained operational throughout this period.
The NSpOC monitored a 10% rise in objects re-entering Earth's atmosphere in June compared to May. Of the 53 objects that re-entered, 43 were satellites, eight were rocket bodies, and two were likely pieces of debris.
Collision risks for UK-licensed satellites were 12% higher in June than in May, though these levels remained below the 12-month rolling average. Additionally, the in-orbit population grew, with a net increase of 304 objects added to the US Satellite Catalogue.
One fragmentation incident was recorded in June, involving a rocket body in Low Earth Orbit. Assessments are currently underway to determine the number of debris pieces released into orbit from this event. Space weather activity also increased in June, primarily consisting of solar flares and geomagnetic storms.