A Space Environment Engineer from 3S Northumbria Ltd travelled to the Saudi Space Debris Conference in Riyadh to present the Company’s “Space Transponder” Paper after being selected in the top 20 submissions for the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) sponsored DebriSolver competition.
The DebriSolver Competition is an international challenge linked to the 2026 Space Debris Conference and dedicated to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for tackling space debris.
With the rapid growth of satellites and space missions, managing orbital debris has become one of the biggest challenges for the future of space exploration. Through this competition, the SSA wanted to bring together bright minds, researchers, students, startups, and innovators from across the globe to propose cutting-edge ideas that ensure safe, sustainable, and cleaner space operations.
Teaming up with the Space Law team from the Northumbria University Law School and supported by ExoAnalytic Solutions’ bespoke modelling tool, SEAS [System Effectiveness Analysis Simulation], 3S Northumbria submitted a Space Transponder Preliminary Design Study. The research was further augmented by earlier analysis from Durham University funded thorough the Arrow programme. A great example of an SME working closely with local universities to develop unique expertise on the banks of the River Tyne.
The design addresses a critical capability gap in obtaining high-quality space situational awareness data on objects in an increasingly crowded near earth space environment Integrating a space transponder onto future satellites has the potential to significantly alleviate the strain that unidentified objects put on already-overwhelmed space surveillance and tracking systems and by extension satellite operators, thereby promoting safe practices on orbit and decelerating the future accumulation of space debris.
From almost 2000 entrants, the top 20 papers were exhibited during the Saudi Space Debris Conference, with the top 4 receiving cash prizes. Team Northumbria was honoured to have the opportunity to present their ideas at the final stage of the competition. It has been a fantastic opportunity to compete with so much talent from more than 40 countries, and we wish heartfelt congratulations to the final 4 teams selected in the categories of social, economic, regulatory and technical sustainability solutions.
The 2026 Saudi Space Debris Conference took place in Riyadh on 26th and 27th January, bringing together global experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to address the increasing threat posed by space debris. As satellite constellations expand rapidly, the accumulation of debris jeopardizes spacecraft safety and long-term orbital sustainability worldwide. The conference served as a critical platform for collaboration, innovation, and the development of effective mitigation strategies. 3S Northumbria were delighted to attend and contribute to the discussions and strategies to formulate global, comprehensive debris mitigation solutions.
Collaborating with academia and industry to support a sustainable, inclusive space economy through assured space situational awareness is at the core of everything 3S Northumbria Ltd does. This partnership has been testament to these principles and 3S Northumbria Ltd looks forward to continuing its work with all the universities of the Northeast of England on future projects.
