Current Space Debris Remediation and On-Orbit Servicing Initiatives

Abstract

There are now quite a number of active programs around the world that are seeking to address the orbital space debris problem through remediation practices. In a few cases there are on-orbit servicing (also known as in-orbit servicing) programs that could also be utilized to assist with orbital debris remediation programs. The diversity of approach in terms of different technologies, governmentally-backed versus commercial approach, as well as differing economic models and maturity of program development is clearly quite large. Because of these quite divergent approaches, it is difficult to provide a comparative analysis of these various efforts that is systematic and consistent. The best approach thus seems is to present the various governmentally backed programs that are currently underway or planned and then to follow this with a presentation of those programs that are proceeding as private initiatives on a commercial or quasi-commercial or private institutional basis.