Re: NASA recommends removing space junk as soon as possible

In article <1152694475.693645.136340@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
"simple_language@xxxxxxxxx" <simple_language@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/space_junk.shtml

If NASA really wants to reduce orbital debris, they should set up some
sort of "bounty" system in which they pay for any debris removed.

Of course the hard part is: how do they verify that the claimed removal
actually happened? Large chunks can be tracked and verified to no
longer be in their previous orbit, but they might have simply been moved
to a new orbit (and no longer recognized as the same chunk), or worse,
shattered into many pieces too small to track. And of course, we want
to pay for the removal of smaller chunks, too; the ones we can't track
are the very ones posing the greatest danger.

Any idea how we could set up a system of paying for debris removal, that
would make cheating impractical?

Best,
- Joe
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: NASA recommends removing space junk as soon as possible
    ... If NASA really wants to reduce orbital debris, ... sort of "bounty" system in which they pay for any debris removed. ... Large chunks can be tracked and verified to no ... longer be in their previous orbit, but they might have simply been moved ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: NASA recommends removing space junk as soon as possible
    ... If NASA really wants to reduce orbital debris, ... longer be in their previous orbit, but they might have simply been moved ... For the largish chunks, discarded rocket bodies and the like, ... require the deorbiter to attach a transponder or retroreflector, ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: US Space Weapons Statement
    ... they state that debris would likely reenter after one orbit. ... the original launch platform and an apogee slightly higher than the launch ...
    (sci.space.policy)
  • Re: USA Today: Shuttle study finds higher risk of fatal hit by debris
    ... >launch a foam dispenser at a closely matching orbit ... >slightly ahead of the debris, dispense the styrene/urethane/whatever, ... they spread out along the original orbit because they have slightly ... >shields, although I guess aerogel would get poofed pretty fast, too. ...
    (sci.space.shuttle)
  • Re: Space Debris
    ... unit area -- sweeps out about 7000 cubic kilometers a day. ... put it into a slightly elliptical orbit, ... are focused on the debris patterns - from the Delta stages ... It might also help to give a debris absorber ...
    (sci.space.policy)