Emerging leo nano-micro satellite market: has the time arrived for a stringent application of space debris mitigation measures?
- Paper number
IAC-18,A6,8,8,x43077
- Author
Mr. Marco Cattadori, The Netherlands, PwC Strategy&
- Year
2018
- Abstract
The LEO long-term sustainability depends from the removal of old debris by the international community and the implementation of space debris mitigation measures by current/future satellites (e.g. to limit to 25 years post-mission lifetime). Thus, there is a need for regulatory authorities around the world to ensure a consistent application of debris mitigation measures by all type of operators (e.g. commercial, university) and by all type of satellites (e.g. incl. nano-micro satellites). The paper analyses the challenges that nano-micro satellites pose to regulatory authorities (with a focus in Europe) to ensure the application of debris mitigation measures (e.g. via space licensing, SST monitoring). It also presents trends suggesting that the time for a strict application of mitigation measures to these satellites is on the horizon and a progressive shift is conceivable. Current challenges include: \begin{itemize}\item Nano-micro satellites due to their affordability and easiness to assemble/operate are spreading geographically even in Countries with no/or limited space heritage/legislation, which is a regulatory challenge for a consistent application of mitigation measures\end{itemize} \begin{itemize}\item Nano-micro satellites are more and more owned/operated by non-governmental entities, thus States are losing grip to maintain supervision and control through non-legislative means\end{itemize} \begin{itemize}\item Nano-micro satellites inherent characteristics of affordability inhibited regulators to strictly apply mitigation measures, which would impose cost-prohibitive means (e.g. propulsion systems on nano-satellites) or limit the LEO market of these satellites (e.g. below 600km altitude)\end{itemize} \begin{itemize}\item Nano-micro satellites due to their size tend to fall under the radar of national SST systems in Europe, which limits the possibility to monitor the implementation of the mitigation measures\end{itemize} Trends include: \begin{itemize}\item Nano-micro satellites are expected to significantly grow globally in coming years, thus the need to applying debris mitigation measures will increase, including in Europe\end{itemize} \begin{itemize}\item Upcoming mitigation systems (e.g. drag sail) are expected to be cost-effective (even for nano-satellites) to meet mitigation objectives (e.g. 25 years post mission lifetime); thus a strict application of mitigation measures would become feasible\end{itemize} \begin{itemize}\item Upcoming SST systems in Europe should enable to independently monitor the implementation of mitigation measures (even by nano-satellites); thus legislation would be fully enforceable \end{itemize} \begin{itemize}\item Mitigation measures are defined internationally (e.g. UN/IADC) and in Countries with most advanced national space law are (or becoming) mandatory; thus a level playing field is in principle achievable. \end{itemize}- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)