Deep Space Debris Avoidance

Deep Space Debris Avoidance is a space safety workflow that reduces collision risk with tracked objects and mission-generated debris for long-delay spacecraft operations beyond Earth orbit. It uses conjunction screening, maneuver planning, and operator signoff so teams can avoid unsafe passes without overusing fuel while keeping evidence, reliability, and public-safe operational boundaries clear.

“The mission team used Deep Space Debris Avoidance when the probe passed behind a planetary body, so the team could avoid unsafe passes without overusing fuel before the next mission decision point.”