Analysis of non-cooperative space object remediation options
- Paper number
IAC-13,E7,4,11,x19522
- Author
Mr. James Rendleman, United States
- Year
2013
- Abstract
According to Article VIII of the Outer Space Treaty, a State retains “jurisdiction and control” over its space objects. Unless this right is relinquished, it could be argued that peacetime retrieval, alteration of orbit, or any other form of interference with foreign space objects would be unlawful without prior consent under treaty and customary international law, no matter how desirable the end result. One could disagree with this argument, however, arguing instead that it may be lawful to perform such retrieval, orbit changes, or interference in order to reduce the potential for space collisions or misbehavior, especially dealing with circumstances where feckless and irresponsible States refuse to avail themselves of the opportunities to move satellites that pose dangers to other space systems or to reduce how they interfere with their operations. This paper will summarize arguments for and against such non-cooperative movement or disposal of satellites and space objects that could be effected without consent. Using these observations as a starting point, and mindful of the sensitivities that States may have with interference of their space systems and objects, this paper will investigate potential remediation options and their technical attributes. It will put forth criteria to evaluate the options. Then, using these criteria, it will examine the arguments for and against each and assess their potential implementing procedures and protocols. This analysis will be completed in order to determine which options have the greatest merit for the international space-faring community.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)