At Space Symposium 2026, Yvette Gonzalez spoke with Brian Lagana, Executive Director of CONFERS, about the growing need for standards in satellite servicing and in-orbit operations.
As space activity expands, new capabilities such as in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing are moving from concept to reality. However, the frameworks governing these activities are still in their early stages. CONFERS was established to address this gap by developing common practices and guidelines for what is often referred to as ISAM.
The organization is working across multiple areas, including debris removal, autonomy, interoperability, and safety. These efforts aim to define how systems interact in orbit, ensuring that future operations can scale safely and efficiently.
The challenge is significant. Unlike traditional sectors, space has lacked established standards for these emerging activities. Drawing inspiration from industries such as transportation, CONFERS is working to create a foundation that can support long-term growth.
The importance of this work extends beyond individual missions. As human exploration moves forward, including initiatives linked to Artemis, uncrewed ISAM capabilities are expected to play a critical role in supporting infrastructure and operations.
The direction is clear. As the space economy evolves, establishing shared rules and standards will be essential to enable sustainable and scalable activity in orbit.
