UK space activity stayed steady in April as satellite risk declined

The UK’s National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) has released its latest monthly assessment of activity in Earth orbit, covering the period from 1 April to 30 April 2026

The NSpOC report showed that April was a relatively stable month in space operations, with lower collision risks for UK-licensed satellites and continued monitoring of re-entering objects and space weather events.

Led jointly by the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command in partnership with the Met Office, the National Space Operations Centre said all warning and protection services operated continuously throughout April.

Fewer objects re-entered Earth’s atmosphere

NSpOC recorded a slight decline in the number of objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere during April. A total of 68 objects were tracked returning to Earth, a 6% decrease from March, when 72 objects re-entered.

Most of the April re-entries were satellites, accounting for 56 of the objects recorded. Nine rocket bodies also re-entered the atmosphere, alongside three pieces of likely debris.

Although April’s figures remain relatively high compared with earlier months in the reporting period, they continue to reflect the growing number of satellites and spacecraft operating in orbit. Monthly totals over the past year have fluctuated considerably, ranging from 34 re-entries in August to a peak of 72 in March.

Satellite collision alerts fell

One of the more significant changes in April was the reduction in collision avoidance alerts involving UK-licensed satellites. NSpOC reported 1,194 collision risks during the month, down 35% from March’s figure of 1,847.

The reduction brought collision warnings closer to the 12-month rolling average after a sustained period of elevated activity during late 2025 and early 2026. Monthly collision alerts had previously exceeded 2,600 during both December and January.

The decline may offer temporary relief for satellite operators, but the figures still underscore the growing congestion in Earth orbit as more commercial and government spacecraft are launched each year.

Number of tracked space objects

Despite fewer collision alerts, the total population of tracked objects in orbit continued to rise.

According to the latest update to the US Satellite Catalogue, the number of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) increased by 223 during April, bringing the total to 33,756 objects in orbit.

The upward trend has been consistent throughout the past year, with the catalogue growing from 30,538 objects last May to nearly 34,000 by the end of April 2026.

NSpOC noted that RSO figures may change slightly over time as tracking methods are refined and more accurate data becomes available.

The report also confirmed that no new fragmentation incidents were recorded during April. Fragmentation events, in which satellites or rocket bodies break apart in orbit, are closely monitored because they can create hazardous debris fields that threaten operational spacecraft.

The absence of new break-ups is likely to be viewed positively by space safety analysts, particularly amid wider international concerns about orbital debris accumulation.

Space weather activity

Space weather conditions during April were similar to those seen in March. Geomagnetic storms and solar flares were observed throughout the month, continuing a pattern of elevated solar activity linked to the Sun’s current cycle.

These activities can affect satellite communications, navigation systems and power infrastructure on Earth, making continuous monitoring an important part of NSpOC’s role.