New Solutions for the Space Debris Problem

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.

List of contents

Introduction.- Current Initiatives and Their Status.- Definition of Space Debris for Active Remediation.- Commercial Feasibility of Space Debris Remediation.- Technological Advancement Enabling Active Remediation.- Legal Challenges Surrounding Active Debris Remediation.- Proposed Way Ahead.- Conclusion.

Product details

• Authors: Joseph N. Pelton
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 20.05.2015
• EAN: 9783319171500
• ISBN: 978-3-31-917150-0
• No. of pages: 94
• Dimensions: 158 mm x 237 mm x 5 mm
• Weight: 197 g
• Illustrations: XI, 94 p. 16 illus. in color.
• Series: SpringerBriefs in Space Development
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Technology > Aviation and space engineering; C, Sonnensystem: Sonne und Planeten, Internationales Öffentliches Recht und Völkerrecht, Astronautik (Raumfahrttechnik), Angewandte Physik, International Law, astronautics, Public International Law, Law of the Sea, Physics and Astronomy, Aerospace engineering, Aerospace Technology and Astronautics, Law of the Sea, Air and Outer Space, Space Physics, Space sciences, Solar system: the Sun and planets