New Solutions for the Space Debris Problem

✍ Scribed by Joseph N. Pelton (auth.)

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing
• Year: 2015
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 102
• Series: SpringerBriefs in Space Development
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Addressing a pressing issue in space policy, Pelton explores the new forms of technology that are being developed to actively remove the defunct space objects from orbit and analyzes their implications in the existing regime of international space law and public international law. This authoritative review covers the due diligence guidelines that nations are using to minimize the generation of new debris, mandates to de-orbit satellites at end of life, and innovative endeavours to remove non-functional satellites, upper stage rockets and other large debris from orbit under new institutional, financial and regulatory guidelines. Commercial space services currently exceed 100 billion USD business per annum, but the alarming proliferation in the population of orbital debris in low, medium and geosynchronous satellite orbits poses a serious threat to all kinds of space assets and applications. There is a graver concern that the existing space debris will begin to collide in a cascading manner, generating further debris, which is known as the Kessler Syndrome. Scientific analysis has indicated an urgent need to perform space debris remediation through active removal of debris and on-orbit satellite servicing.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages i-xi
Introduction....Pages 1-9
Current Space Debris Remediation and On-Orbit Servicing Initiatives....Pages 11-29
Exploring New Approaches and Solutions to the Orbital Space Debris Problem....Pages 31-38
Examining the Case for Active Orbital Debris Removal....Pages 39-51
New Technological Approaches to Orbital Debris Remediation....Pages 53-68
Legal Challenges Related to Active Orbital Debris Removal....Pages 69-79
New Ways Forward: A Program of Action for Orbital Space Debris....Pages 81-84
Top Ten Things to Know About Active Debris Removal....Pages 85-88
Back Matter....Pages 89-94

✦ Subjects

Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Sciences; Law of the Sea, Air and Outer Space