6.2 National space agency standards and practices

Space agencies worldwide have developed guidelines to combat the growing threat of orbital debris. These standards aim to minimize debris generation throughout a spacecraft's lifecycle, from design to disposal, ensuring responsible space practices.

NASA, ESA, JAXA, and Roscosmos have established specific requirements for their missions. These include end-of-life disposal plans, collision avoidance strategies, and design choices that reduce debris creation. National licensing processes now enforce these guidelines for commercial space activities.

National Space Agency Debris Mitigation Guidelines

NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris

Top images from around the web for NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris

• 

  Space Launch Complex 37 Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PHSF Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  SSME Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Space Launch Complex 37 Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PHSF Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris

• 

  Space Launch Complex 37 Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PHSF Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  SSME Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Space Launch Complex 37 Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  PHSF Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Establishes requirements and procedures for limiting orbital debris generation throughout mission lifecycle
• Applies to all NASA programs and projects involving spacecraft, launch vehicles, and instruments in Earth orbit
• Mandates assessment of debris generation potential during design and operations phases (ODAR)
• Requires implementation of debris mitigation measures such as passivation, disposal orbits, and collision avoidance maneuvers
• Encourages use of materials and designs that minimize debris generation upon impact or explosion

ESA Space Debris Mitigation Policy

• Outlines ESA's commitment to reducing space debris and preserving the space environment for future generations
• Applies to all ESA missions and activities, including spacecraft design, launch, and operations
• Requires compliance with international debris mitigation guidelines (IADC, ISO) and European Code of Conduct for Space Debris Mitigation
• Mandates end-of-life disposal strategies such as de-orbiting or placement in graveyard orbits
• Promotes development and use of technologies that minimize debris generation (shielding, breakup prevention)

JAXA and Roscosmos Debris Mitigation Guidelines

• JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and Roscosmos (Russian Space Agency) have established their own guidelines for mitigating space debris
• JAXA guidelines align with international standards and focus on preventing on-orbit breakups, minimizing debris release, and post-mission disposal
• Roscosmos general requirements address debris mitigation through spacecraft design, launch vehicle passivation, and end-of-life disposal
• Both agencies require compliance with their respective guidelines for all national space missions and collaborate with international partners to promote responsible space practices

Regulatory Compliance

National Licensing Requirements

• Many countries have established licensing requirements for space activities to ensure compliance with debris mitigation guidelines
• In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issue licenses for commercial satellites and remote sensing systems, respectively
• License applications must demonstrate adherence to orbital debris mitigation practices, including end-of-life disposal plans and collision avoidance capabilities
• Other countries, such as the United Kingdom (UK Space Agency) and France (CNES), have similar licensing processes that incorporate debris mitigation requirements

End-of-Life Disposal Plans

• Satellite operators must develop and implement plans for responsible disposal of spacecraft at the end of their operational lives
• Common disposal strategies include:
  • De-orbiting: Maneuvering spacecraft to re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up
  • Graveyard orbits: Moving spacecraft to designated disposal orbits away from operational regions
  • Direct retrieval: Using robotic servicing vehicles to capture and remove defunct satellites
• Disposal plans must consider factors such as spacecraft mass, orbital altitude, and potential hazards to other space objects
• International guidelines recommend disposing of spacecraft within 25 years of end-of-life

Mission-Specific Debris Mitigation Strategies

• In addition to general debris mitigation guidelines, space agencies and operators may develop mission-specific strategies based on unique spacecraft characteristics and operational requirements
• For example, large constellations (Starlink, OneWeb) may employ specialized collision avoidance systems and rapid de-orbiting capabilities to minimize debris risks
• Missions in highly congested orbits, such as sun-synchronous orbit, may require enhanced shielding and more frequent collision avoidance maneuvers
• Spacecraft with high-power laser or radar systems may need to incorporate additional safeguards to prevent unintentional damage to other space objects