Orbital debris : cost impact on setting policy

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Authors
Wolfner, William S.
Subjects
Advisors
Alfriend, Kyle T.
Date of Issue
1996-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
As the exploration of space increases, the problems associated with orbital debris also increase. 0rbital debris continues to grow at a linear rate with an ever increasing possibility of a shift to an exponential rate. If this point is achieved, space travel will, at best, be extremely hazardous and at worst, unusable. When mitigating orbital debris, cost and policy issues must be addressed. Currently no policy exists that makes the mitigation of orbital debris mandatory but it only strongly recommends mitigation as long as it is cost effective. This thesis addresses the cost impact of alternative spacecraft design Options for orbital debris mitigation. The cost impact is shown by developing generic satellite characteristics, considering two different altitudes, and using alternative design options.
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Description
Systems Technology (Space Systems Operations
Series/Report No
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Format
108 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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