Active removal of space debris – Discussing technical and economical issues
- Paper number
IAC-06-B6.4.04
- Author
Mr. Alexander Karl, Germany
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Space debris is already threatening space platforms orbiting the Earth like satellites and manned systems as the international space station ISS. To protect humans and technology now and in the foreseeable future, measures must be taken to reduce the risk posed by space debris. Constructional mitigation efforts are already being made to avoid further debris. However, several ideas for the active removal of these objects have been suggested as well, since the amount of space debris is rising and the natural de-orbit times of some of these objects is several hundred and even thousands of years. This paper outlines the basic principles of these ideas. Feasibility will be discussed and improvements and further studies, including brief mission proposals, suggested. Due to the global issues involved regarding space debris, possible financing methods of these missions will be discussed within an economical context, including a brief look at the legal situation.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B6.4.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.