Reference Documents
Technical Report on Space Debris
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This is a report published by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations on space debris in 1999. It summarizes the reviews within the STSC between 1996 and 1998 on orbital debris measurements, modeling, risk assessments, and mitigation measures.
This is a report published by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations on space debris in 1999. It summarizes the reviews within the STSC between 1996 and 1998 on orbital debris measurements, modeling, risk assessments, and mitigation measures.
U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices
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The United States Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP) were established in 2001 to address the increase in orbital debris in the near-Earth space environment. The goal of the 2001 ODMSP was to limit the generation of new, long-lived debris by the control of debris released during normal operations, minimizing debris generated by accidental explosions, the selection of a safe flight profile and operational configuration to minimize accidental collisions, and postmission disposal of space structures. When the ODMSP was updated in 2019, it included improvements to the original objectives as well as clarification of and additional standard practices for certain classes of space operations. The 2019 ODMSP provides a reference to promote efficient and effective space safety practices for other domestic and international operators.
The United States Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP) were established in 2001 to address the increase in orbital debris in the near-Earth space environment. The goal of the 2001 ODMSP was to limit the generation of new, long-lived debris by the control of debris released during normal operations, minimizing debris generated by accidental explosions, the selection of a safe flight profile and operational configuration to minimize accidental collisions, and postmission disposal of space structures. When the ODMSP was updated in 2019, it included improvements to the original objectives as well as clarification of and additional standard practices for certain classes of space operations. The 2019 ODMSP provides a reference to promote efficient and effective space safety practices for other domestic and international operators.
History of On-Orbit Satellite Fragmentations
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The 16th edition of this document was published in 2022. This document summarizes all known satellite and upper stage fragmentations prior to 01 May 2022. Fragmentations include breakup, anomalous, and aerodynamic fragmentations. Available information includes breakup date, breakup altitude, number of debris generated, and references for each event. Gabbard diagrams for many breakup clouds are also included in the document.
The 16th edition of this document was published in 2022. This document summarizes all known satellite and upper stage fragmentations prior to 01 May 2022. Fragmentations include breakup, anomalous, and aerodynamic fragmentations. Available information includes breakup date, breakup altitude, number of debris generated, and references for each event. Gabbard diagrams for many breakup clouds are also included in the document.
Orbital Debris: A Technical Assessment
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This is a document published by U.S. National Research Council in 1995. It examines the methods used to characterize the orbital debris environment and assesses the hazards a debris population poses to spacecraft. Recommendations to improve debris research and the protection of spacecraft and specific recommendations on methods to reduce future debris creation are also included in the document.
This is a document published by U.S. National Research Council in 1995. It examines the methods used to characterize the orbital debris environment and assesses the hazards a debris population poses to spacecraft. Recommendations to improve debris research and the protection of spacecraft and specific recommendations on methods to reduce future debris creation are also included in the document.
Interagency Report on Orbital Debris
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This document was published by the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Transportation Research and Development in 1995. It contains an up-to-date portrait of the orbital debris measurement, modeling, and mitigation efforts and a set of recommendations outlining specific steps necessary to minimize the potential hazards posed by orbital debris.
This document was published by the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Transportation Research and Development in 1995. It contains an up-to-date portrait of the orbital debris measurement, modeling, and mitigation efforts and a set of recommendations outlining specific steps necessary to minimize the potential hazards posed by orbital debris.
IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
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This document describes the guidelines adopted by the 13 members of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) in 2002 and slightly revised in 2007 and 2020. The guidelines were developed via consensus within the IADC, with an emphasis on cost effectiveness that can be considered during planning and design of spacecraft and launch vehicles in order to minimize or eliminate generation of debris during operations.
This document describes the guidelines adopted by the 13 members of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) in 2002 and slightly revised in 2007 and 2020. The guidelines were developed via consensus within the IADC, with an emphasis on cost effectiveness that can be considered during planning and design of spacecraft and launch vehicles in order to minimize or eliminate generation of debris during operations.
UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
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This document describes the guidelines adopted by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in February 2007. The guidelines were developed via consensus within the STSC, and the full COPUOS endorsed the guidelines in June 2007, followed by General Assembly endorsement later in 2007. These guidelines are consistent with the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices and the IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines.
This document describes the guidelines adopted by the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) of the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) in February 2007. The guidelines were developed via consensus within the STSC, and the full COPUOS endorsed the guidelines in June 2007, followed by General Assembly endorsement later in 2007. These guidelines are consistent with the U.S. Government Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices and the IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines.
NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris – NPR 8715.6E
NPR 8715.6E became effective on 18 April 2014. It reflects NASA's policy to limit future orbital debris generation. The applicability, authority and references of the requirements and the responsibility within NASA organizations are all clearly stated in the document.
NPR 8715.6E became effective on 18 April 2014. It reflects NASA's policy to limit future orbital debris generation. The applicability, authority and references of the requirements and the responsibility within NASA organizations are all clearly stated in the document.
Process for Limiting Orbital Debris – NASA-STD-8719.14
This document serves as a companion to NPR 8715.6 and provides specific technical requirements for limiting orbital debris and methods to comply with the NASA requirements for limiting orbital debris generation. This standard helps ensure that spacecraft and launch vehicles meet acceptable standards for limiting orbital debris generation.
This document serves as a companion to NPR 8715.6 and provides specific technical requirements for limiting orbital debris and methods to comply with the NASA requirements for limiting orbital debris generation. This standard helps ensure that spacecraft and launch vehicles meet acceptable standards for limiting orbital debris generation.
Handbook for Limiting Orbital Debris – NASA-HDBK-8719.14
This NASA-HDBK serves as a companion to NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 8715.6A, NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris and NASA-STD 8719.14, Process for Limiting Orbital Debris and contains the background and reference materials to aid in understanding the foundation and science for predicting and limiting orbital debris.
This NASA-HDBK serves as a companion to NASA Procedural Requirements (NPR) 8715.6A, NASA Procedural Requirements for Limiting Orbital Debris and NASA-STD 8719.14, Process for Limiting Orbital Debris and contains the background and reference materials to aid in understanding the foundation and science for predicting and limiting orbital debris.