SpringerBriefs in Space Development Guest Editor: Jinyuan Su More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/10058
Joseph N. Pelton New Solutions for the Space Debris Problem
Joseph N. Pelton Executive Board, International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) Arlington, VA, USA ISSN 2191-8171 ISSN 2191-818X (electronic) SpringerBriefs in Space Development ISBN 978-3-319-17150-0 ISBN 978-3-319-17151-7 (ebook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-17151-7 Library of Congress Control Number: 2015935195 Springer Cham Heidelberg New York Dordrecht London Joseph Pelton 2015 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. Printed on acid-free paper Springer International Publishing AG Switzerland is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)
I wish to dedicate this book to the various talented and committed people around the world who make up the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety. These various scientists, engineers, systems analysts, and regulatory, policy, and legal experts seek to make the world of space exploration, space sciences, and space applications safer and less exposed to risks.
This Springer book is published in collaboration with the International Space University (ISU). At its central campus in Strasbourg, France, and at various locations around the world, the ISU provides graduate-level training to the future leaders of the global space community. The University offers a 2-month Space Studies Program, a 5-week Southern Hemisphere Program, and a 1-year Master s Program related to space science, space engineering, systems engineering, space policy and law, business and management, and space and society. These programs give international graduate students and young space professionals the opportunity to learn while solving complex problems in an intercultural environment. Since its founding in 1987, the International Space University has graduated more than 3,000 students from 100 countries, creating an international network of professionals and leaders. ISU faculty and lecturers from around the world have published hundreds of books and articles on space exploration, applications, science, and development. vii
Acknowledgements I wish to thank a number of individuals who assisted in the research and review of the contents of this book. These individuals include Peter Marshall, Ram Jakhu, Joyeeta Chatterjee, Jinyuan Su, and Joseph Pellegrino of Orbital ATK. I would particularly note that Joyeeta Chatterjee, Jinyuan Su and Ram Jakhu provided very valuable assistance with regard to Chapter 6 on Legal Challenges Related to Active Orbital Debris Removal. Also I would like to express my appreciation to Maury Solomon and Nora Rawn of Springer Press for their outstanding cooperation and support. ix
Contents 1 Introduction... 1 2 Current Space Debris Remediation and On-Orbit Servicing Initiatives... 11 3 Exploring New Approaches and Solutions to the Orbital Space Debris Problem... 31 4 Examining the Case for Active Orbital Debris Removal... 39 5 New Technological Approaches to Orbital Debris Remediation... 53 6 Legal Challenges Related to Active Orbital Debris Removal... 69 7 New Ways Forward: A Program of Action for Orbital Space Debris... 81 8 Top Ten Things to Know About Active Debris Removal... 85 Glossary of Terms and Acronyms... 89 About the Author... 93 xi