TOPIC SPONSORS: 50 SCS/CDCC & USSF/S8ZX
How we and other nations should track space debris and avoid collisions with it? Which technologies being designed to reduce/remove it should be used? Who (nations or private entities) can/should legally remove it from orbit? (50 SCS/CDCC) Can a monetary incentive solution that forces the owner to put more thought into overall utility, lifespan, and disposal mitigate space junk? (USSF/S8ZX)
- Beauchamp, Maj. Torry S., "Cleaning up Space: Reducing Orbital Debris to Reduce Risk and Make Space Operations Safer," AFGC thesis, 2025, 36 pgs.
- Tracking: Beauchamp asserts that tracking must be improved by upgrading the Space Surveillance Network (SSN). This includes replacing the outdated SPADOC software with the Advanced Tracking and Launch Analysis System (ATLAS), utilizing the new Space Fence radar, and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and commercial satellite sensors.
- Technologies: He concludes that physical sweepers and space tugs are currently too expensive to be feasible. Instead, nations should use ground- and space-based lasers. These lasers can cost-effectively remove small debris (1-10cm) or perform "just-in-time collision avoidance" (JCA) by nudging large debris out of the way right before a potential collision.
- Who should remove it: He recommends creating a Global Space Organization that includes commercial industry stakeholders to mandate international rules. He suggests that all nations contribute to a joint fund for debris removal, or that each nation be held strictly responsible for removing the debris they generate.
- Brinich, Capt. Benjamin L., "Avoiding Collisions without Impacting Operational Security: A Study of United States Space Force Traffic Management," GCPME thesis, 2022, 39 pgs.
- Ibsen, Genna M., "Jettisoned Junk: The Unseen U.S. Security Risk Developing in Space," AFGC thesis, 2024, 42 pgs.
- Kennedy, Neil A., "Space Debris, Orbital Land Mines: A Risk Assessment of US Space Systems," AF Global College thesis, 2024, 59 pgs.
- Purgason, Jean A., "Space Junk and the US Military: A Policy Analysis on Physical Technology Options for Mitigating Orbital Debris," SAASS thesis, 2020, 68 pgs.