For over 50 years, space-faring nations have launched objects into space, resulting in the significant accumulation of debris. The amount of launches and debris-causing events outpaces the current removal rates for debris in the protected regions of Low Earth and Geosynchronous Orbits. Thus, it appears the space debris problem is increasing. Currently, debris must be larger than 10-cm in diameter to be tracked reliably. Existing treaties are outdated and in need of revision to include space debris and enforcement. Given the increasing amount of debris in space, it is time to assess whether reduction/removal capabilities are required to resolve the problem. The research method used for this paper is the problem/solution method. An assessment of risk will convey the probability and consequence of a collision. An analysis of existing treaties convey areas of weakness in terms of controlling the space debris problem. Mitigation and protection measures are assessed for effectiveness to determine if debris- removing capabilities are needed. Finally, an analysis of potential debris-removing solutions determine technical feasibility and cost effectiveness. Ultimately, we need to be more proactive in fixing the near-term problem instilling the discipline among space- faring nations to control the accumulation of debris before we can look to a long-term, debris-removing solution when searching for ways to protect the space environment in the future.
Is It Time for Space Debris Reduction Capabilities
2009
45 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
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