The Need for a Global Space-Traffic-Control Service: An Opportunity for US Leadership

Abstract

Losing a satellite to an accidental on-orbit collision is no longer hypothetical, but real and increasingly likely. As a result, the need for a global space-traffic-control service must be addressed by the space-faring nations of the world, especially the United States. The fiscal and national security ramifications are too significant to ignore. The replacement cost of a satellite, perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars, is the most obvious impact. But, this may be the most trivial consideration. The greatest concern is the potential catastrophic loss of vital communications, navigation, weather, and other services we depend on for daily global commerce and defense. This paper explains the problem, examines some possible paths to address the problem, and recommends actions.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 17, 2010
Accession Number
AD1018588

Entities

People

  • Matthew C. Smitham

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Collision Avoidance
  • Department Of State
  • Earth Orbits
  • European Union
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Law
  • Space Debris
  • Space Environments
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Space Surveillance
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • United States Strategic Command
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites