Paul Kostek, a senior IEEE member of the Systems Engineer for Air Direct Solutions LLC, discusses the actions needed to manage the debris of space caused by terminally-apocalyptic satellites.
Managing ever-growing debris in the universe presents a serious challenge. Questions have emerged for international governments and industry leaders as to how it can be disposed of, what can be recycled, and what risks pose to other satellite communications networks and space operations.
Currently, the model shows that there are over 40,500 remnants of space debris that are over 10cm tall, with an astounding 130 million fragments between 1mm and 1cm perimeter orbit. Of these, almost 37,000 have been actively tracked and cataloged.
The urgent need to track terminal satellites
Currently, real-time tracking of objects needs to be improved. There is also satellite traffic management and identification of how to remove debris. The means to deal with the handling of abolished satellites by moving them into higher orbits and finding ways to seduce them or expand their lives has become the focus of recent industry consultations.
Satellite resupply can be a path to a recycling system rather than launching replacements, such as creating new uses, such as refueling satellites, software or systems updates.
In most cases, the satellite remains in orbit despite being inactive for years. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will ensure that US-based operators can move satellites into higher orbits near the end of life or seduce them within five years of completing their mission. I suggest putting it down.
The latter is a necessary plan for satellites located in low Earth orbit (LEO). With more and more satellite constellations placed in orbit, is there a possibility of a universal agreement on their management? Can industry leaders and international governments come together to agree to general rules for managing satellite end-of-life management and enforce these rules?
Kessler Syndrome: A Cause of Concern?
In 1978, NASA scientist Dave Kessler proposed the theory that when space debris density reaches a critical threshold, it leads to a chain reaction of Leo collisions. This could affect Leo’s ability to launch space missions as it is too crowded for the satellite to enter orbit, resulting in the loss of satellite communications, the Internet and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
If this happens, the economic impact is incredible and commercial transactions will slow down if not stopped completely. Airlines, shipping costs and internet losses also affect both commercial and military operations.
A lot has changed since the launch of the first shuttle. The space is currently currently moving, including commercial operators who provide launch services and the development of Leo’s satellite constellations, as it is only used by government agencies. Naturally, the number of planned satellite constellations is increasing, but what will be over?
Starlink’s latest semi-annual Constellation status report revealed that 24,410 collision avoidance operations were carried out between June and December 2023 to avoid space debris and other satellites. Consider all satellite constellations currently planned by other companies and countries. The need to track, manage and manipulate these objects in real time has never been more important.
Collaboration and accountability
As space debris tracking increases, satellites must have the ability to affect systems near orbit and to detect and respond to debris with the highest risk without intervention. This includes the requirements and capabilities to exclude LEO and Higher Orbits aging satellites.
Several companies have begun work on developing active debris removal systems to collect debris. Some are focusing on larger pieces, including satellite and rocket launch phases, while others are looking for a system to use the net to collect small items. However, one important question must be addressed. How is this funded?
Traditionally, operators pay for a failed end of life or system. However, it is a concern when it comes to satellites that were abandoned when the operator was out of business.
Other space systems, such as satellite communications and space stations, require the ability to detect debris and operate it when necessary. Designers should consider hardening the system to handle hits with small pieces or installing a system that deflects or captures debris. However, it is important to note that the former risks sending debris to another satellite or vehicle route. Therefore, capture may be the best approach.
Plans to manage and track both government and commercial space (satellites, space stations) systems are also needed as space usage increases. The US has moved its surveillance program from the Department of Defense to the Department of Commerce. Several commercial companies are also considering surveillance space traffic.
To provide seamless tracking, as air traffic systems do, there is also a need for measures to coordinate tracking and surveillance around the world.
Another source of debris is the anti-hair condition test. The industry needs to address how militarization of space affects the operation of government and commercial systems. As usage expands, more questions arise. Can we reach an agreement to cancel these types of testing? What actions can I take if a test is performed?
Governments and businesses need to deal with the impact of bad actors hacking satellites to operate, spoof data, or the satellites to change orbit. This requires companies to include cybersecurity as part of their satellite design. This will likely include launch providers, including cybersecurity as a requirement to launch payloads. Ideally, companies should incorporate cybersecurity into their early days of satellite design, and launch providers should include it as part of their payload launch requirements.
International Agreement: Final Frontier
Not only are more countries and private companies sending payloads such as satellite constellations and space stations into orbit, but vehicles moving to the moon, Mars and deeper spaces gather together to manage and utilize space debris How to use and exploit space debris should be addressed collisions and broader issues.
It is essential that all debris be identified, tracked and collected for effective satellite communications. The only answer is a space traffic management system that all users adhere to. How this is established should be the focus of these discussions.
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