Bridging the Gap: Space Debris Management
As space technologies continue to advance and increase space traffic, the process to monitor and clean space debris must become continuous and automatic.’’ - Aranca (2022) Modern Technologies to Clean Up Space Debris, Aranca.
The vast expanse of space has always fascinated humanity. However, as our activities in space continue to grow, so does the problem of space debris. Space debris, also known as orbital debris or space junk, comprises defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and various other fragments left behind by human activities in space. As our reliance on space technology increases, so does the need for responsible space debris management. In this blog post, we will explore what space debris management is, why it is crucial, and the methods being employed to tackle this outer-space challenge.
What is Space Debris?
Space debris encompasses all human-made objects in orbit around Earth that no longer serve a functional purpose. These objects range from small bolts and paint chips to defunct satellites and spent rocket stages. Some of the primary sources of space debris include:
Defunct Satellites: Non-operational or abandoned satellites, including communication, weather, and scientific satellites, contribute significantly to space debris. Examples include the decommissioned Iridium satellites and the defunct European Space Agency's Envisat.
Rocket Stages: Discarded upper stages of rockets used to launch payloads into space. For instance, the third stage of a rocket that carried a payload into orbit may remain in orbit as space debris.
Old Spacecraft: Decommissioned or abandoned spacecraft, such as lunar landers and space probes, can become space debris over time. The Soviet Luna landers and the Apollo Lunar Modules are examples.
Fragmentation Debris: Smaller fragments generated from collisions, explosions, or disintegration of larger objects. These can include bolts, nuts, and shards of materials. The 2009 collision between the Iridium 33 satellite and the defunct Russian satellite Cosmos 2251 created thousands of fragments.
Lost Equipment: Occasionally, astronauts and cosmonauts may accidentally release or lose tools and equipment during spacewalks, which can become space debris. For instance, a camera accidentally dropped by astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper during a spacewalk in 2008.
Payload Fairings: These are protective shells that cover payloads during launch. Once the payload is deployed, the fairings remain in orbit as debris until they eventually re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
Discarded Boosters: Solid rocket boosters used during launches can contribute to space debris if they remain in orbit after separation from the main rocket.
Paint Chips: Small flecks of paint from spacecraft and satellites can become space debris, as they can travel at high speeds and pose a risk to operational satellites.
Small Spacecraft: CubeSats and other small satellites, if they become non-operational or fail to deorbit, can become space debris.
Space Debris Management Methods
The United Kingdom is making significant strides in space sustainability, aligning with the goals outlined in the National Space Strategy. As part of these efforts, the UK Space Agency awarded two Phase B mission studies for Active Debris Removal to Astroscale and ClearSpace in September 2022, with a combined funding of £4 million.
These studies play a crucial role in determining the mission concept that will advance to a comprehensive design and launch phase. This ambitious journey will culminate in 2026 with a demonstration showcasing the UK's ability to successfully rendezvous, dock with, and safely deorbit two retired UK satellites.
Here are some of the top alternate methods to managing space debris:
Active Debris Removal (ADR): Developing spacecraft specifically designed to capture and remove defunct satellites and large debris from orbit, reducing the density of space debris in critical orbits.
Deorbiting Measures: Designing satellites and spacecraft with systems that allow controlled deorbiting at the end of their operational life, ensuring they re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
Mitigation Guidelines: Adhering to international guidelines that recommend responsible design practices to limit the generation of debris during the operational phase, such as the venting of remaining fuel.
International Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration and agreements among spacefaring nations to establish guidelines and norms for responsible space behavior, debris mitigation, and the sharing of Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data.
Space Traffic Management: Continuously monitoring and tracking active satellites and space debris to predict and prevent potential collisions. Providing conjunction warnings to satellite operators for collision avoidance manoeuvres.
Effective space debris management is essential for ensuring the sustainability of space activities and for reducing the risk of the Kessler Syndrome becoming a reality. International cooperation, advanced technology, and responsible design practices are crucial in addressing this cosmic challenge and maintaining the beauty and utility of the final frontier.
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