ISU team project: Space debris mitigation and removal

The space debris problem has been studied for over 30 years. However, we are still far away from implementing an effective approach to solve the problem. A solution will require several aspects to be addressed: technological development, political and legal frameworks, financial and business aspects, and strategies of raising awareness in the general public and political decision makers. Most spacefaring nations appear to be adopting a 'wait-and-see' approach to the problem. All these aspects are investigated with a multidisciplinary approach. The paper addresses debris mitigation and removal from a technical perspective. Then, political, legal, economic and organisational aspects are described, as well as the awareness issue of the problem. Finally a set of recommendations is offered in the frame of a roadmap comprising short-term (2013-2016), mid-term (2016-2020) and long-term (2020-2053). The recommendations will show how to build-up the technological knowledge, and the economic and legal framework to enable, starting in 2020, a sustainable use of space thanks to the full adherence of mitigation guidelines and the active removal of 10 extra-large debris per year managed by a dedicated international organisation supported by adequate funding. This paper is based on the findings of the International Space University Space Studies Programme (ISU SSP) Team Project: Space Debris Mitigation and Removal. The findings are the result of the research of a team consisting of about 40 professionals and students active in the field of space at the ISU SSP. The Programme was organised by ISU in cooperation with Florida Institute of Technology and NASA Kennedy Space Center.