L8 - Space Debris Mitigation

Question 1

What are the IADC/UNCOPUOS Mitigation guidelines regarding space debris?

Answer 1

Guideline 1: limit debris released during normal operations.
Guideline 2: minimise the potential for break-ups during operational phases.
Guideline 3: limit the probability of accidental collision in orbit.
Guideline 4: avoid intentional destruction and other harmful activities.
Guideline 5: minimise potential for post-mission break-ups resulting from stored energy.
Guideline 6: limit the long term interference of spacecraft and launch vehicle orbital stages in the low Earth orbit (LEO) region after the end of their mission.
Guideline 7: limit the long term interference of spacecraft and launch vehicle orbital stages with the geosynchronous region after the end of their mission.

Question 2

Problem: Explosion of Rocket Upper Stages. Solution?

Answer 2

Solution: Passivation (Fuel Venting or Depletion Burn).

Question 3

Describe more ambitious mitigation measures.

Answer 3

Require new developments and, in general, suitability of the method (technical feasibility, cost-efficiency) must be demonstrated.

1. Removal with an orbiting manoeuvering vehicle.
2. Removal of objects with drag devices.
3. Removal with a tether satellite.
4. Destruction by laser.
5. Debris catcher/sweeper.