Space debris close approach to LARES satellite

Abstract

Space debris represent a big concern for future space activities. Particularly at low Earth orbit there is a concentration of debris. Although the probability of impact are today relatively low some occurrences have been registered. The problem was addressed since the beginning of the space age and international treaties regulate the responsibilities of the spacefaring nations. LARES (LAser RElativity Satellite) mission was launched in 2012 and is currently operational. The scientific requirements and the mission design required a waiver to the European debris mitigation regulation for the launch. To date, four close approaches of LARES with space debris have been registered. In the case of a collision with a debris, the resulting controversial is not predictable. The paper addresses possible legal scenarios in case LARES would be involved in an impact with a space debris.