25-Year Rule's Role in Tackling Orbital Debris Questioned
With lack of compliance with the 25-year post-mission disposal rule a big driver of orbital debris, regulators can boost compliance by making all permissions temporary, with renewal of licenses conditioned on operators meeting performance goals, said Ted Muelhaupt, principal director…
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of Aerospace's Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies. Also at LRA Institute's virtual conference Wednesday, FAA Space Traffic Program Lead Steph Earle said there should be a move away from blanket policies like the 25-year rule for all spacegoing missions in favor of a stratified approach, likening it to kayaks being subject to different regulations than ships. FCC International Bureau Satellite Division acting Chief Karl Kensinger said the 25-year rule at the commission resulted in some low earth orbit missions reducing their orbital altitude or adding drag enhancements. He said the satellite industry hasn't reached consensus on the FCC's proposal for a maneuverability requirement for all satellites above a certain altitude. Earle said FAA plans an NPRM, perhaps this fall, on proposed updates to orbital debris regulations for launch and reentry. He said transportation and satellite might end up with different debris mitigation rules, reflecting the industries' differences.