Solving Wicked Space Problems With ASTRIAGraph

The presentation discusses the challenges of tracking and managing anthropogenic space objects, also known as space debris. There are currently over 26,000 objects in Earth's orbit, with about 4,000 working satellites providing services such as navigation, communication, and weather forecasting. However, most of these objects are dead or de-orbiting, posing a hazard to operational satellites and potentially causing collisions. The speaker argues that it is essential to develop a global system for tracking and managing space debris to prevent further pollution and ensure the long-term sustainability of space exploration. To address this challenge, the presenter introduces ASTRIAGraph, a knowledge graph built on Neo4j, which aggregates information from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of space objects. The graph is used to predict potential collisions, identify areas for improvement in space debris management, and support research into space safety, security, and sustainability.