How a pair of lasers in Tenerife is guarding our orbital highways
Space debris is no longer a distant concern; it is a daily threat to satellite operators. Now, a sophisticated new laser-ranging duo in Spain is testing the technology needed to track orbital junk and potentially push it out of harm's way.
On the island of Tenerife, Spain, the European Space Agency (ESA) is operating a unique dual-station setup: Izaña-1 and Izaña-2. This optical technology testbed is designed to advance the monitoring of satellites and space debris while preparing new technologies for commercial use. The Izaña-2 station, recently completed by the German firm DiGOS, functions as a high-power laser transmitter. It sends pulses into orbit, which are then captured by Izaña-1, acting as a receiver for the few photons that reflect back from space-bound objects.
The precision of this laser-ranging method allows for highly accurate orbit determination. This level of detail is essential for creating actionable collision avoidance systems and managing space traffic sustainably. Beyond mere tracking, the ESA’s Space Safety Programme—managed from the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany—is working to develop innovative ways to prevent orbital crashes.
One of the most ambitious frontiers in this research is the OMLET project (Orbital Maintenance via Laser momEntum Transfer). This initiative seeks to bring two market-ready services to European industry: on-demand ephemeris provision and laser-based collision avoidance. The ultimate goal is a technique known as laser momentum transfer. Rather than moving a functional satellite, this method would use laser illumination to apply a small force to a piece of debris, slightly altering its orbit to move it out of a potential collision path.
By supporting these developments, the ESA aims to help European companies capitalize on new business opportunities that ensure the long-term, sustainable use of the space environment.
Source: Izaña-2 joins the laser game to track space debris
