Active Debris Removal (ADR) for Mega-constellation Reliability

Abstract

Provided that the hazard of space debris in orbit can pose threats to space exploration missions and, thereby, influence the redundancy of Earth observation and telecommunication constellations, this chapter addresses the case for mega-constellation reliability. The space security challenge in this case does not only relate to the regulatory and legal framework thereof but also to the business development of technical solutions for space security. Although the current level of technologies enables active debris removal (ADR), its business applicability remains to be investigated. In this study, a multiparametric mega-constellation model has been developed to take into account orbital motion, coverage, ground communication, reliability, collision risks, and service consumption in the global telecommunication market. The research and simulations performed on the model allowed for the analysis of possible financial metrics (revenue, cash flows, total replenishment cost) of the company who operates the ADR, as well as replacement scenarios and weak points of the mega-constellation. All combined, the chapter provides insights into the market that exists for ADR technologies, by demonstrating the ADR business applicability for mega-constellations.