USING COMMERCIAL SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AS A VERIFICATION MECHANISM FOR ORBITAL DEBRIS MITIGATION
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Authors
DeSimone, Jonathan K.
Subjects
space
space systems
space situational awareness
SSA
commercial
orbital debris
space debris
space systems
space situational awareness
SSA
commercial
orbital debris
space debris
Advisors
Moltz, James C.
Date of Issue
2021-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
Orbital debris is a space security problem, and the existing space debris mitigation framework is insufficient to achieve long-term space sustainability. Fortunately, recent developments in commercial space situational awareness (SSA) systems may provide an alternative solution. This thesis explores two research questions. First, could commercial SSA systems be used as a verification mechanism for space debris mitigation accountability? Second, how could such a verification regime lead to future enforceable space debris mitigation policy? To answer the first question, this thesis surveys the capabilities and limitations of the significant SSA technical infrastructures around the world. For the second research question, this thesis explores how commercial SSA systems could be used as a space debris verification mechanism in four possible future options. The four options are the status quo, international enforcement, domestic enforcement, and commercial best practices. This thesis concludes that commercial SSA systems could overcome the transparency concerns of existing government-run systems and that regulators should consider using commercial systems as the primary source of data for space debris mitigation verification. Policy and organizational changes will be needed to attain a verification regime that could enforce future legally binding space debris mitigation policies.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Space Systems Academic Group (SP)
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.