BRICS Space Agencies Meet in Bengaluru to Coordinate Orbital Sustainability

India hosted the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) meeting in Bengaluru on June 23-24, 2026. The summit focused on space sustainability and the peaceful use of outer space to address global challenges.

Representatives from BRICS member countries—including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE—convened to coordinate efforts on remote sensing and climate change. A primary outcome of the talks was the amendment of the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation Agreement to incorporate new member states. Additionally, the agencies discussed the Terms of Reference for a proposed BRICS Space Council, a move intended to strengthen institutional collaboration across the bloc.

The Push for Space Governance

This diplomatic push follows a trajectory of increasing cooperation within the bloc, which began with a 2021 agreement on remote sensing data sharing and the 2022 launch of the BRICS Joint Committee on Space Cooperation. By moving toward a more formal "BRICS Space Economy," these emerging nations are seeking to reduce their reliance on single-nation space infrastructure and challenge the traditional Western dominance of space governance.

Mitigating Orbital Risks

The emphasis on sustainability comes as the global community faces an increasing risk of orbital congestion. As satellite launches accelerate, the threat of "Kessler Syndrome"—a scenario where a single collision triggers a cascade of debris—becomes a critical concern for all space-faring nations. By standardizing debris-free missions and establishing shared rules for satellite governance, the ten-nation bloc aims to mitigate the environmental risks of space exploration.

Future Outlook

While the proposed BRICS Space Council represents a significant step toward a unified space strategy, the formalization of its powers remains to be seen. Observers will be watching for the official ratification of the Council's Terms of Reference and the actual deployment of the expanded remote sensing constellation. The success of these initiatives will determine whether the bloc can effectively lower the financial barriers to space entry for its members while maintaining a sustainable orbital environment.