Space Debris - Providing the Scientific Foundation for Sustainable Use of Outer Space

by Thomas Schildknecht ( University of Bern )
Tuesday 28 January 2025 at 16:00 CET

 

Abstract The proliferation of space debris and the increased probability of collisions and interference raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of space activities, particularly in the low-Earth orbit and geostationary orbit environments. I will address the status of the space debris population and possible evolution scenarios, as well as the measures which are urgently needed to ensure sustainable use of near-Earth space – a unique resource. Current observational space debris research activities focus on detecting and characterizing space debris. Understanding the nature and the sources of debris is a prerequisite to provide the scientific foundation for a sustainable use of near-Earth space.