Regulatory framework and organization for space debris removal and on orbit servicing of satellites

Abstract

The challenges posed by increasing space debris are becoming so severe that sustainable use of space will be seriously jeopardised. Technical means for mitigation of debris in orbit can be expected to minimize the production of new pieces of debris. However, mitigation efforts must be accompanied by active debris removal (ADR) of existing pieces of debris from space in order to effectively protect the space environment. Additionally, on-orbit servicing (OOS) of satellites may also help in reducing pieces of space debris. However, both ADR and OOS cannot be effectively undertaken due to the existing complex legal problems, primarily at international level. One way of resolving these legal problems is to establish an international regulatory framework as well as an intergovernmental organization that will conduct ADR and OOS activities. This brief paper, discusses a proposal for an integrated development of operational, institutional and international regulatory framework and the creation of an intergovernmental organization (based on the models of earlier international satellite organizations like INTELSAT and INMARSAT) for carrying out active space debris removal and on-orbit servicing of satellites.