NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Man-made space debris - Does it restrict free access to spaceConsideration is given to the hazards posed by existing and future man-made space debris to spacecraft operations. The components of the hazard are identified as those fragments resulting from spacecraft explosions and spent stages which can be tracked, those fragments which are too small to be tracked at their present distances, and future debris, which, if present trends in spacecraft design and operation continue, may lead to an unacceptably high probability of collision with operational spacecraft within a decade. It is argued that a coordinated effort must be undertaken by all space users to evaluate means of space debris control in order to allow for the future unrestricted use of near-earth space. A plan for immediate action to forestall the space debris problem by activities in the areas of education, debris monitoring and collection technology, space vehicle design, space operational procedures and practices and space policies and treaties is proposed.
Document ID
19810063024
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wolfe, M.
(Aerospace Corp. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Chobotov, V.
(Aerospace Corp. El Segundo, CA, United States)
Kessler, D.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Reynolds, R.
(Battelle Columbus Laboratories Columbus, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1981
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER 81-256
Accession Number
81A47428
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available