Removing Orbital Debris Carries Policy, Tech Challenges

Active removal of orbital debris carries technological, legal and policy challenges that need hammering out, experts told an Aerospace Corp. webinar Thursday. Chris May, Aerospace engineer-Human Exploration and Spaceflight Division, said methodologies have been suggested, including electromagnetic tethers and harpoons, and no single approach will work for all types of debris due to varying sizes and orbital mechanics. He said money has been a big hurdle to development of an active debris removal industry, with little ADR funding available beyond the R&D and demo stage. George Washington University Space Policy Institute graduate student Tyler Way said policy challenges include export concerns for the technology involved and liability issues about which party is ultimately responsible: the state licensing the client satellite or the company providing the ADR service. He said there are "legally daunting" issues with removal of small debris, since its origin is often unknown, making it difficult to go up in good faith and remove it. Way said there have been discussions about an international body or agreement that would focus on ADR regulation and help alleviate some legal complications, and that could take years to establish.