How can you manage risks from space debris?

2 Assess the probability and consequences of space debris impacts

To manage the risks from space debris, it is important to evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential impacts on your space system. This process begins with tracking and cataloging the existing space debris population, which can be done using ground-based or space-based sensors, databases, and models such as the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) or the European Space Agency's (ESA) Space Debris Office. Conjunction analysis is also necessary, which is a process of predicting close approaches between your space system and other orbiting objects using software tools such as the Conjunction Data Message (CDM) service or the Automated Collision Avoidance System (ACAS). Furthermore, you must estimate the collision probability based on the relative positions, velocities, and uncertainties of the objects involved using mathematical methods such as the Dilution of Precision (DOP) or the Probability of Collision (Pc). Lastly, you must evaluate the collision consequences, which are the potential effects of an impact on your space system's performance, functionality, or mission objectives using analytical models such as the NASA Standard Breakup Model (NSBM) or the ESA MASTER-2009 model.

3 Implement risk mitigation strategies and measures

Managing the risks from space debris is a complex and challenging task for systems engineers, as it requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach that considers the technical, operational, and regulatory aspects. To reduce or eliminate the exposure or impact of your space system to the debris environment, you should design it with debris mitigation in mind, plan its orbit and maneuvers with debris avoidance in mind, operate it with debris awareness in mind, and dispose of it with debris reduction in mind. These steps can help improve your space system's safety and reliability, as well as contribute to the sustainability and security of the space environment. For example, you can use robust materials, shielding, redundancy, or modularity to increase its resistance or resilience to debris impacts; select a low-debris region; perform collision avoidance maneuvers (CAMs); comply with the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) guidelines for orbital debris mitigation; monitor the space situational awareness (SSA) information; respond to collision warnings or alerts; report any anomalies or incidents related to debris impacts; deorbit, reorbit, or passivate your space system at the end of its operational life; or participate in debris removal or remediation initiatives such as the ESA's Clean Space program or NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO).

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?