Speaker
Description
The expansion of lunar exploration activities over the coming decade introduces new challenges for the application and evolution of space debris mitigation principles beyond Earth orbit. While existing debris mitigation standards have been largely developed for Earth orbital regimes, the increasing number of planned lunar orbit missions requires the definition of adapted guidelines and technical solutions consistent with the objectives of the Zero Debris initiative.
This activity investigates the implications of the Zero Debris approach for spacecraft operating in lunar orbit and cislunar space, with particular focus on requirements compliance, operational constraints, and potential evolution of mitigation guidelines. The work analyses the applicability of existing debris mitigation requirements to lunar orbital environments and proposes their evolution, including disposal strategies, trackability considerations, collision risk management, and spacecraft design measures aimed at preventing the generation of long-lived debris.
In addition, the study explores enabling technologies and infrastructure that support Zero Debris compliance for lunar missions, including enhanced trackability solutions, controlled end of life disposal concepts, and modelling tools for predicting impact outcomes and debris generation. The results contribute to ongoing discussions on how debris mitigation policies and engineering practices should evolve to support sustainable operations in the cislunar environment while maintaining alignment with the broader objectives of the Zero Debris initiative.