TÜV Nord Group: Increasing Safety for Space Systems

Reducing Space Debris TÜV Nord Group is Committed to Increasing Safety for Space Systems

2026-01-22 Source: Press release Veronika Maucher 2 min Reading Time

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As satellite technology becomes increasingly vital to our daily lives, the issue of space debris poses a significant threat to safe space operations. TÜV Nord Group, through its subsidiary ALTER, is actively addressing this challenge by joining the Zero Debris Charter, an initiative aimed at achieving a debris-free orbital environment by 2030. This commitment highlights the company's role in promoting safety and sustainability in the aerospace industry.

According to ESA, 130 million pieces of debris larger than one millimeter are orbiting the Earth.(Picture: AI genertaed with ChatGPT) — According to ESA, 130 million pieces of debris larger than one millimeter are orbiting the Earth.
(Picture: AI genertaed with ChatGPT)

Satellites are essential for modern technologies such as Earth observation, telecommunications, and navigation. However, the growing amount of space debris is endangering these systems. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), 130 million pieces of debris larger than one millimeter are orbiting the Earth, increasing the risk to active satellites. The number of satellites launched has increased significantly in recent years, exacerbating the situation. The TÜV Nord Group, through its subsidiary ALTER, has joined the Zero Debris Charter to promote safety and sustainability in space. This initiative, launched by the ESA, aims to create a debris-free orbital environment by 2030.

Europe’s security landscape is changing rapidly

As defence budgets rise and EU programmes expand, civil technology providers are becoming vital contributors to Europe’s strategic autonomy. The event will act as a neutral platform for dialogue between technology suppliers, integrators, and decision-makers shaping the next generation of European defence capabilities and aims to open doors between civil industry and defence procurement, providing practical insights.

Find out more and register

Quality Testing for a Safer Future in Space

ALTER is contributing its expertise in highly reliable testing and qualification to support the initiative's ambitious goals. The company offers comprehensive testing, inspection, and certification services for electronic components and systems used in space. These services are crucial to ensuring that components can withstand the extreme conditions of space, such as severe temperature fluctuations, launch vibrations, and radiation, and function reliably.

“Participating in the Zero Debris Initiative underscores our commitment to responsible space operations,” said Rafael Rodriguez, Equipment Conformity Director at ALTER. “We are proud to be part of a global community dedicated to safety and sustainability in space. Our quality testing at ALTER helps prevent the release of debris,” Rodriguez continued.

The Zero Debris Charter, created by ESA and 40 space stakeholders, contains both general guiding principles and specific, jointly defined goals to achieve zero debris by 2030.

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