The US Air Force’s Space Surveillance Network is struggling to identify small, cubesat-style satellites deployed during December's SSO-A SmallSat Express launch, with 72 unaccounted for. Experts said the satellites, which are put into orbit en masse during so-called ride-along launches, pose both a safety and security threat. Analysts and space trackers have called for regulatory changes, including the possible use of number plates, to address the issue but added it could be difficult to ensure global compliance.
The US Air Force’s Space Surveillance Network is struggling to identify small, cubesat-style satellites deployed during December's SSO-A SmallSat Express launch, with more than a dozen unaccounted for. Experts said the satellites, which are put into orbit en masse during so-called ride-along launches, pose both a safety and security threat. Analysts and space trackers have called for regulatory changes, including the possible use of number plates, to address the issue but added it could be difficult to ensure global compliance.