Earth orbit is getting crowded. Can this map of 1 million routes around our planet help prevent satellite collisions?

image via Space.com

February 10, 2026, 8:00 PM

• •LLNL developed a method for modeling orbits in cislunar space.
• •The research used supercomputers to simulate a million orbits over six years.
• •The method can predict orbit lifetimes, stability, and detect anomalies.
• •This work could help manage satellite traffic and prevent collisions in space.

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have developed a new method for modeling orbits in cislunar space to prevent collisions. They modeled a million orbits over six years using supercomputers and machine learning, finding that about half remained stable for at least a year. This method can predict orbit lifetimes, stability, and detect anomalies in satellite movement. This work could be useful in the future for determining busy intersections for satellites, especially as countries launch satellites without worldwide coordination.

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