Mission & Space Operations

This page describes the operational policies that will govern OrbitExSpace systems when they operate on orbit or on a surface. OrbitExSpace Inc. ("OrbitExSpace", "we", "us") is currently at the terrestrial development stage. These policies are forward-looking commitments; they describe the framework we will apply when our systems reach operational deployment.

Future missions will be conducted under a documented mission operations plan that defines roles, procedures, communication protocols, and decision authority. Operations will be rehearsed where feasible, and contingencies will be anticipated. We will not begin an operation without a plan, and we will not deviate from a plan without a controlled change process.

On-orbit operations will be conducted within the operational envelope for which the system was qualified. We will monitor system state, respond to anomalies under documented procedures, and maintain the ability to safe the system from the ground where the mission architecture permits.

Ground segments — ground stations, mission control, and communications infrastructure — will be designed, operated, and secured to availability and integrity standards appropriate to the mission. We will coordinate ground segment operation with relevant authorities and operators and will not transmit without required authorizations.

For any future on-orbit system, we will obtain and act on conjunction assessments, plan and execute collision-avoidance maneuvers where the risk warrants, and coordinate with other operators and with the U.S. 18th Space Defense Squadron (or its successor). We will not knowingly maintain a trajectory that presents an undue risk to other operators.

Future spacecraft will be designed with a defined end-of-life plan. For low-Earth-orbit systems, this means controlled de-orbit or re-entry within the timeframe required by applicable guidelines. For higher-orbit systems, it means transfer to a disposal orbit. We will not abandon a spacecraft at end of life; we will dispose of it in accordance with applicable standards.

We believe that access to space is a long-term resource that must not be spoiled for short-term gain. We commit to designing systems that minimize debris, that can be disposed of responsibly, and that operate transparently with respect to trajectory and intent. We support the development of open space-sustainability practices and will contribute to them where we can.

Responsible space operations, to us, means: flying only with authorization; sharing information that affects the safety of others; designing for disposal; minimizing interference; and treating the space environment as a shared commons. We will hold ourselves to these principles regardless of whether they are enforced by law.

OrbitExSpace Inc.
Los Angeles, California
operations@orbitexspace.com