Kessler Syndrome: System Dynamics Model

Satellite Maintenance: An Opportunity to Minimize the Kessler Effect

“…How can satellite maintenance minimize the Kessler Effect? Drmola and Hubik (2018) identifieds inactive satellites as a contributor to orbital debris (as seen in the figure below and noted by the arrow). If this element can be removed (or shifted to the active satellite group), it may have a measurable impact on the rate of collisions.…”

“…Adapted from "Kessler Syndrome: System Dynamics Model," by J. Drmola, and T. Hubik, 2018, Space Policy, 44/45, p. 32. doi:10.1016/j.spacepol.2018…”

“…Some researchers have focused on prediction models, in an effort to quantify the severity of the problem (Drmola & Hubik, 2018;Bonnal, Ruault, & Desjean, 2013). In doing so, determinations or estimations on the number of satellites which need to be removed to stabilize the debris problem can be identified.…”

“…Orbital debris is a growing problem, notably in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) (Adilov, Alexander, & Cunningham, 2018;Drmola & Hubik, 2018). Satellites in this orbit provide crucial information about our planet's weather, atmosphere, and allows for global communication.…”

“…As a result, some satellites become inoperable prior to their scheduled end of life sequence which creates orbital debris. The projected number of satellite launches over the next decade further complicates this problem (Anselmo & Pardini, 2017;Drmola & Hubik, 2018;Russell, 2017). This has resulted with an unsustainable and financial wasteland of inactive satellites orbiting the Earth.…”