Space Debris 2026 Conference Opens With 75 Countries Participating In Global Effort

The Space Debris 2026 Conference opens its second edition with wide global attendance, highlighting growing concern over orbital safety and long-term use of space. Organized by the Saudi Space Agency, the event gathers representatives from 75 countries, alongside senior specialists, decision-makers, and space industry leaders, under United Nations support and with strong regional and international participation.

The gathering takes place with backing from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, together with several local and international organizations. These combined efforts focus on strengthening cooperation on space debris, protecting orbital environments, and supporting sustainable space activities that align with global governance priorities.

In opening remarks, Saudi Space Agency Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohammed Al Tamimi links the second edition of the Space Debris 2026 Conference to the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to responsible space activity. Dr. Mohammed Al Tamimi explains that the growing number of objects and fragments in Earth orbits increases risks for satellites and missions, making joint international responses more urgent.

Dr. Mohammed Al Tamimi stresses that collaboration among states and institutions is central to tackling this issue and supports the adoption of advanced tools and best practices. He notes that the Saudi Space Agency seeks to back international initiatives on debris management, encourage the use of modern technologies, and promote shared standards that help maintain safe and sustainable access to space.

UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini underlines during the Space Debris 2026 Conference that broad coordination is required to handle debris risks. Aarti Holla-Maini states: "Global cooperation among international organizations, governments, industry, and academia in addressing space debris challenges is no longer merely a desirable objective. It has become an absolute necessity. At the same time, leading spacefaring nations must lead by example and develop concrete plans to address the accumulated legacy debris resulting from their past activities."

Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union Thomas Lamanauskas focuses on fair access to space resources while speaking at the Space Debris 2026 Conference. Thomas Lamanauskas says: "We need to ensure that the opportunities created by the rapid growth of the space economy are accessible to all and can be enjoyed by future generations. Predictable, responsible, and inclusive management of space resources, including satellite orbits, is essential to achieving this."

Space Debris 2026 Conference agenda, sessions, and competition projects

The Space Debris 2026 Conference programme covers several themes, including policy, regulation, and technical measures aimed at limiting debris growth. Specialists discuss space sustainability, governance frameworks, and regulatory challenges, while operators and researchers present practical approaches, operational tools, and partnership models that support safer operations and help reduce collision risks in congested orbital regions.

Sessions also examine how innovation and research can support effective international governance for debris mitigation and removal. The conference aims to raise awareness of debris risks, protect the future of the space economy, and encourage responsible use of orbital environments through coordinated standards, information sharing, and long-term planning by governments, companies, and scientific institutions.

The Space Debris 2026 Conference is accompanied by an exhibition that features 20 shortlisted entries from the DebrisSolver Competition, showcasing applied solutions and technologies designed to tackle debris challenges. These projects highlight current international innovation efforts that seek to protect outer space as a shared domain for all countries and help secure the sustainability of space operations for future generations.

The mix of high-level speeches, technical panels, and the DebrisSolver Competition exhibition at the Space Debris 2026 Conference illustrates how Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Space Agency, participates in shaping global discussions on debris management. The event brings together international organizations, industry, and academia to address the risks from increasing orbital debris and to strengthen collective efforts toward safe and sustainable space activities.

With inputs from SPA