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Protecting the GEO Environment: Policies and PracticesThe geosynchronous orbital regime has long been recognized as a unique space resource, dictating special measures to ensure its continuing use for future generations. During the past 20 years a variety of national and international policies have been developed to preserve this environment. A review of current practices involving the deployment and disposal of geosynchronous spacecraft, associated upper stages and apogee kick motors, and geosynchronous orbit transfer objects indicates both positive and negative trends. Most spacecraft operators are indeed performing end-of-mission maneuvers, but the boost altitudes normally fall short of policy guidelines. Russia, a major operator in geosynchronous orbit, maneuvers only 1 in 3 spacecraft out of the region, while China has never refired a spacecraft above GEO. The viability of voluntary protection measures for this regime depends upon the responsible actions of the aerospace community as a whole.
Document ID
20000094311
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Johnson, Nicholas L.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
McKay, Gordon A.
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Astrodynamics
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 294-78-80
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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