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<p>Her Majesty’s Government are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability
of outer space and take our international responsibilities around debris mitigation
very seriously. The Government is committed to regularly reviewing and assessing risks
and uses a robust methodology to ensure that risks are up to date and understood.</p><p>In
carrying out safety assessments under its current licensing process, the UK Space
Agency considers operators’ collision avoidance and debris mitigation measures as
conducted throughout the entire time the spacecraft remains in orbit around the Earth.</p><p>The
Government also actively participates in a number of multi-lateral fora, including
the UN Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its Subcommittees and the Inter-Agency
Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), alongside a number of bodies defining
safety standards. Within these forums, the Government works collaboratively with its
international partners to define the best practice and associated guidelines that
will ensure space is accessible for future generations.</p><p>We are also working
with satellite operators, the Royal Astronomical Society, the European Astronomical
Society and the International Astronomical Union to understand the impacts of the
artificial light generated by satellites and clarify what actions could be taken to
mitigate interference for the UK community and our international partners. The Department
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, alongside the UK Space Agency, will
continue to support the UK science and astronomy community.</p>
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