Space Traffic Control: The Nonprofit Option
- Paper number
IAC-08.E3.2.2
- Author
Dr. William Ailor, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
As the population of objects orbiting Earth and the accompanying likelihood of on-orbit collisions increase, so does the demand from satellite operators for an effective space traffic control service. Such a service would provide operators timely warnings of impending close approaches, possible radio frequency interference, and other events that might affect their ability to perform their mission. Limited services are currently provided by the U.S. Air Force, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and the European Space Agency, but these do not include all operators and all data necessary for a truly effective service. This paper describes the requirements for a comprehensive space traffic control service available to all space operators and considers the possibility of establishing an international nonprofit corporation to provide such services. The paper outlines how such an organization might be structured and managed, its size, the services offered and support required, and argues that a properly structured nonprofit corporation protects the needs and data of both governmental and non-governmental entities that must participate. An important feature is that the nonprofit option provides a mechanism for moving expeditiously toward an effective space traffic control service.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.E3.2.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.