Chobotov, V. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1993

Orbital debris - Status and possibilities for control

The severity and significance for the future use of space of the continued deposition of orbital debris into the near-earth environment is examined, and approaches to controlling the growing orbital debris population are discussed. Three categories of options are considered: those requiring minimal impact on operations, those requiring changes in hardware or operations, and those requiring technology development. The necessary role of the international community is these efforts is emphasized.

Mcknight, D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Man-made space debris - Does it restrict free access to space

Consideration is given to the hazards posed by existing and future man-made space debris to spacecraft operations. The components of the hazard are identified as those fragments resulting from spacecraft explosions and spent stages which can be tracked, those fragments which are too small to be tracked at their present distances, and future debris, which, if present trends in spacecraft design and operation continue, may lead to an unacceptably high probability of collision with operational spacecraft within a decade. It is argued that a coordinated effort must be undertaken by all space users to evaluate means of space debris control in order to allow for the future unrestricted use of near-earth space. A plan for immediate action to forestall the space debris problem by activities in the areas of education, debris monitoring and collection technology, space vehicle design, space operational procedures and practices and space policies and treaties is proposed.

Wolfe, M.↗