Space debris as environmental threat and the requirement of Indonesia’s prevention regulation

Abstract

Non-operational satellites and other space junk, including jettisoned spent rocket stages, old satellites and other space objects, are creating a huge stock of garbage in outer space. Space debris environment poses a damage risk to spacecraft in Earth orbit and also poses the risk of damage on the ground if debris survives Earth’s atmospheric re-entry. From the early 1960s, Indonesia has promptly begun to perform space activities. From rocket research and development in 1970, programs related to space science and technology in 1980, and currently Indonesia operates its own 6 satellites (5 in GSO and 1 in LEO). Indonesia has ratified Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 1967 (Outer Space Treaty) with the Law Number 16/2002 and also enacted Law Number 21/2013 on Space Activities. However, the lack of regulation regarding on environmental protection aspect on outer space should highlight Indonesian law system as the development of space technology threaten the territory also. This writing aims to study the space debris and environmental protection on the national level and utilized that as a means on space environmental sustainability in Indonesia.