The effectiveness of space debris mitigation measures
- Paper number
IAC-10,A6,4,12,x7736
- Author
Dr. Carsten Wiedemann, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Sven Kevin Flegel, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Marek Moeckel, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Johannes Gelhaus, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
- Year
2010
- Abstract
The analysis of the space debris problem has revealed an accumulation of objects particularly in sun-synchronous orbits (SSO). These orbits are important for, among others, Earth observation missions. To allow a long-term use of SSOs, the introduction of space debris mitigation measures is reasonable. Concerning the reduction of the risks for future space missions, several mitigation strategies have been developed. To select appropriate strategies and justify the involved investments, it is necessary to study the economics of such measures. Simulations are indicating that greater economic damages will be likely in the future, caused by the increasing number of hypervelocity impacts on satellites. The analysis is performed with an improved version of the long-term analysis tool LUCA developed by the Institute of Aerospace Systems, TU Braunschweig. LUCA considers the sources and sinks of orbital objects. Input parameters are future traffic scenarios and orbital explosion rates. The software tool simulates catastrophic collisions. Furthermore the influence of end-of-life (EOL) de-orbiting maneuvers is considered. In this study the long-term cost development of space debris mitigation measures is analyzed. The output parameters are combined with cost models. The next step is the estimation of the increase in costs caused by damages and mitigation measures. A Business As Usual (BAU) scenario without any mitigation measures is compared with scenarios that take into account different types of mitigation measures. Different mitigation scenarios are defined, and a cost-benefit analysis is performed. The results show that the debris population close to 900 km will continue to grow in the future. A very effective mitigation measure can be an immediate de-orbiting at EOL.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-10,A6,4,12,x7736.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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