Green Toolkit for Space
High

Collision with operational satellites

Risk of a decommissioned or uncontrolled satellite colliding with active spacecraft, potentially creating a cascading debris event (Kessler Syndrome).

ISO 24113 — Space Debris Mitigation International
ISO 24113 — Space Debris Mitigation Technical

This document defines the primary space debris mitigation requirements applicable to all elements of unmanned systems launched into, or passing through, near-Earth space, including launch vehicle orbital stages, operating spacecraft and any objects released as part of normal operations.

Issuing body
ISO
Jurisdiction
International
Date published
1 May 2023
Open source (opens in a new tab)
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Policy
United Nations guidelines for mitigating space debris in Earth orbits.
Jurisdiction
International
Open source (opens in a new tab)
JASON Simplified Collision Model
Components
Avionics Propulsion System Thrusters
Lifecycle Stages
Operational Deployment End of Life
Environmental Concerns
Orbital Congestion Space Debris Generation

Obligations (2)

Comply with UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines

High
Operators must design missions to limit debris generation during normal operations, minimise breakup potential, and ensure post-mission disposal within 25 years.
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Policy
United Nations guidelines for mitigating space debris in Earth orbits.
Jurisdiction
International
Open source (opens in a new tab)

Liability for space object damage

High
Under the Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention, launching states bear international liability for damage caused by their space objects.
Outer Space Treaty (1967) International
Outer Space Treaty (1967) Legal
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
Jurisdiction
International

Opportunities (2)

Active debris removal services

High

General Description:

Invest in or support active debris removal missions to clean up orbital environments, reducing collision risk for all operators.

Potential Applications:

  1. Life Extension Vehicles

Associated Challenges:

  1. Liability concerns related to collisions in orbit with servicing satellites
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines International
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Policy
United Nations guidelines for mitigating space debris in Earth orbits.
Jurisdiction
International
Open source (opens in a new tab)
ESA Clean Space Initiative EU
ESA Clean Space Initiative Policy
European Space Agency programme targeting environmental sustainability in space activities.
Jurisdiction
EU
Open source (opens in a new tab)

AI-driven collision avoidance

High
Deploy machine learning algorithms to improve conjunction assessment accuracy and automate collision avoidance manoeuvres, reducing fuel usage and collision probability.
Journal of Space Safety Engineering
Journal of Space Safety Engineering Academic
Peer-reviewed academic journal covering safety aspects of space activities.