ABSTRACT
The space surrounding our planet is densely populated by an increasing quantity of man-made space debris, most of which derives from breakup of operating satellites, abandoned spacecraft or upper stages at the end of mission life. The forecast for the next decade is for a growth in the debris population due to in-orbit explosions, material deterioration, and in-orbit collisions. This chapter provides a technical perspective on the long-term evolution of space debris, their complex orbital dynamics and the risk of on-orbit collision caused by debris fragments on operative spacecraft. Methodologies for defining and characterizing the casualty risk on the ground, due to re-entering spacecraft, are also covered. Thereafter it presents an overview of the technical details of the existing debris mitigation guidelines and guidelines for post-mission disposal. The chapter concludes with strategies for the end-of-life disposal of spacecraft, including methods exploiting natural orbit perturbations, and those utilising radiation pressure and atmospheric drag.
