Protecting satellites in low Earth orbit: An overview of hazards and policy solutions

Abstract

Satellites in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment face various hazards which threaten the long-term sustainability of the space economy. This article describes the potential dangers to satellites in LEO beyond commonly referenced orbital debris and satellite collisions, including hazards that arise from the LEO environment itself and from other anthropogenic sources such as laser interference and orbital light pollution. As the LEO economy surges in the coming decade, preventative policy such as that proposed in this article could address these risks before they become an issue and ensure that the LEO environment continues to grow sustainably.