Large satellite constellations and space debris: Exploratory analysis of strategic management of the space commons

Bernhard, Pierre; Deschamps, Marc; Zaccour, Georges

doi:10.1016/j.ejor.2022.04.030

Cited by 23 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…For instance, centralized governance approaches and multi-actor coalitions might reduce market competition to promote cleanup (Klima et al, 2018;Rabitz, 2023). Taxes on orbital uses (Rao et al, 2020), satellite launches (Rouillon, 2020), and debris production (Bernhard et al, 2023) have been proposed to preserve the value of satellites in LEO while maintaining a relatively debris-free environment. It is important to acknowledge that other studies have concluded that an economic Kessler Syndrome -a threshold where commercial satellite activity is no longer profitable -will precede a physical Kessler Syndrome that we study here (Adilov et al, 2018;Bongers & Torres, 2023a).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Instead, a two-fold approach of active removal and passive strategy will likely be most effective (Adilov et al, 2015(Adilov et al, , 2020Bongers & Torres, 2023a). Possible passive strategies and policy interventions might include a Pigovian tax (Adilov et al, 2015), self-enforcing treaties (Jain & Rao, 2022), orbital use fees (Bernhard et al, 2023;Rao et al, 2020), debris production fees (Bernhard et al, 2023), or "slot" allocation (Bernhard et al, 2023). Rouillon (2020) suggests a Pigovian tax of $131.93 million USD/satellite would be most effective.…”

Section: Space Debris In a Social-ecological Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tipping Points of Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit

Nomura,

Rella,

Merritt

et al. 2024

Int J Commons

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Global services like navigation, communication, and Earth observation have increased dramatically in the 21st century due to advances in outer space industries. But as orbits become increasingly crowded with both satellites and inevitable space debris pollution, continued operations become endangered by the heightened risks of debris collisions in orbit. Kessler Syndrome is the term for when a critical threshold of orbiting debris triggers a runaway positive feedback loop of debris collisions, creating debris congestion that can render orbits unusable. As this potential tipping point becomes more widely recognized, there have been renewed calls for debris mitigation and removal. Here, we combine complex systems and social-ecological systems approaches to study how these efforts may affect space debris accumulation and the likelihood of reaching Kessler Syndrome. Specifically, we model how debris levels are affected by future launch rates, cleanup activities, and collisions between extant debris. We contextualize and interpret our dynamic model within a discussion of existing space debris governance and other social, economic, and geopolitical factors that may influence effective collective management of the orbital commons. In line with previous studies, our model finds that debris congestion may be reached in less than 200 years, though a holistic management strategy combining removal and mitigation actions can avoid such outcomes while continuing space activities. Moreover, although active debris removal may be particularly effective, the current lack of market and governance support may impede its implementation. Research into these critical dynamics and the multi-faceted variables that influence debris outcomes can support policymakers in curating impactful governance strategies and realistic transition pathways to sustaining debris-free orbits. Overall, our study is useful for communicating about space debris sustainability in policy and education settings by providing an exploration of policy portfolio options supported by a simple and clear social-ecological modeling approach.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Space Debris In a Social-ecological Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tipping Points of Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit

Nomura,

Rella,

Merritt

et al. 2024

Int J Commons

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“…I N the vast expanse of the space environment, the number of space debris of various origins have been dramatically increasing [1]- [6]. Space debris an escalating threat to Earth's orbital sustainability [7]- [17].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptive Control Scheme for Space Debris Capture in the Presence of Mass and Inertia Uncertainty

Christidi-Loumpasefski,

Yalçın,

Delisle

et al. 2024

IEEE Access

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This paper proposes an adaptive control scheme for capturing uncooperative space debris having uncertain inertial parameters. Debris parameters may be unknown or uncertain due to limited data or changes in orbit due to collisions. To address this challenge, the proposed scheme integrates an inertial parameter identification law with the impedance control strategy of FlexeS (Flexible Capture System). During the pre-capture phase, motion data is utilized to identify the debris' center of mass (CM), leading to the optimal capture point that minimizes impact moments. During contact, the impedance-controlled actuator(s) is(are) activated while the scheme concurrently provides accurate estimates of the debris mass and inertia, enabling the updating of controller gains and thus ensuring sufficient contact time for successful capture. Hence, the proposed adaptive scheme allows FlexeS to handle the debris parameter uncertainties. The simulation study demonstrates the scheme's effectiveness and necessity. The performance of the proposed adaptive scheme is compared with a non-adaptive scheme. The results affirm the superiority of the adaptive scheme in achieving successful soft capture of uncooperative debris in the presence of mass and inertia uncertainties and highlight its potential for future space debris mitigation missions.

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“…Since humankind initiated space activities more than 60 years ago, the number of in-orbit objects has increased [1]. More than 330 million debris objects not bigger than 1 cm are in orbit.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hybrid-Compliant System for Soft Capture of Uncooperative Space Debris

Delisle

Christidi-Loumpasefski

Yalçin

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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Active debris removal (ADR) is positioned by space agencies as an in-orbit task of great importance for stabilizing the exponential growth of space debris. Most of the already developed capturing systems are designed for large specific cooperative satellites, which leads to expensive one-to-one solutions. This paper proposed a versatile hybrid-compliant mechanism to target a vast range of small uncooperative space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling a profitable one-to-many solution. The system is custom-built to fit into a CubeSat. It incorporates active (with linear actuators and impedance controller) and passive (with revolute joints) compliance to dissipate the impact energy, ensure sufficient contact time, and successfully help capture a broader range of space debris. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate and validate the necessity of integrating hybrid compliance into the ADR system. This study found the relationships among the debris mass, the system’s stiffness, and the contact time and provided the required data for tuning the impedance controller (IC) gains. This study also demonstrated the importance of hybrid compliance to guarantee the safe and reliable capture of a broader range of space debris.

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Large satellite constellations and space debris: Exploratory analysis of strategic management of the space commons

Cited by 23 publications

References 36 publications

Tipping Points of Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit

Tipping Points of Space Debris in Low Earth Orbit

Adaptive Control Scheme for Space Debris Capture in the Presence of Mass and Inertia Uncertainty

Hybrid-Compliant System for Soft Capture of Uncooperative Space Debris

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