Youth Space Debris Input

Space debris (also called Orbital debris) are man-made objects in orbit around the Earth, that have been discarded from space missions or otherwise are not being used. Space debris have steadily become a bigger and bigger problem as space missions continue to discard objects after use and satellites reach the end of their useful lifetimes. Although most space debris is uncatalogued, the U.S. Strategic Command (through the Joint Space Operations Center) reports that of the 31,102 man-made objects in orbit that they track, about 75% of them are fragmented or inactive satellites, 15% are rocket bodies and only 10% of them are functioning payloads or satellites. There are, however, more than 100,000 small objects in orbit that are too small to track, but nevertheless big enough to cause damage to spacecraft. The recent Chinese Anti-Satellite test created more than 7,000 pieces of orbital debris.

These objects present a significant risk of damage to spacecraft. Most of the particles are small, but are traveling at average speeds of 720 kilometers per hour (at Geosynchronous orbit) through 36,000kmph (at altitudes below 2,000km). At these speeds, these particles are capable of significant damage to spacecraft and and humans on EVA, as well as disrupting missions.

Despite much discussion and many studies done, space debris remains a significant problem for the space-faring community. While guidelines have been passed, there exist no legislation requiring spacecraft manufacturers and operators to implement space debris mitigation methods in their designs. This project seeks to engage youth in the space debris issue and to support policy makers in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in drafting a possible legislation to help solve the space debris problem. We will draft recommendations for possible legislation for the members of the COPUOS after learning about the various space debris mitigation possibilities and discussion on the Space Debris forums. Our project progress and recommendations gathered will be presented at the Space Generation Congress and the International Astronautical Congress.

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If you would like to participate, please go to the Space Debris forum or contact Tiffany, the Space Debris project lead for more information.

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