Spacecraft and launch vehicle stages abandoned in Earth orbit have historically been a primary source of debris from accidental explosions. In the future, such satellites will become the principal cause of orbital debris via inadvertent collisions. To curtail both the near-term and far-term risks posed by derelict spacecraft and launch vehicle stages to operational space systems, numerous national and international orbital debris mitigation guidelines specifically recommend actions which could prevent or limit such future debris generation. Although considerable progress has been made in implementing these recommendations, some changes to existing vehicle designs can be difficult. Moreover, the nature of some missions also can present technological and budgetary challenges to be compliant with widely accepted orbital debris mitigation measures.


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    Title :

    Disposal of Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Stages in Low Earth Orbit


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2007


    Size :

    9 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English







    THE DISPOSAL OF SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLE STAGES IN LOW EARTH ORBIT

    Johnson, N. L. / European Space Agency | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2007


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