Speaker
Description
The Zero Debris ambition calls for more reliable, transparent, and coordinated space operations, yet current debris risk management practices remain constrained by limited data availability and inconsistent information sharing among operators. Reducing unnecessary collision avoidance maneuvers and improving the accuracy of conjunction assessments require access to specific technical parameters describing resident space objects (RSOs). However, national security sensitivities and commercial constraints often restrict the exchange of such information, resulting in fragmented situational awareness and increased operational overhead.
Recent literature highlights that addressing the space debris challenge should not rely solely on deploying additional satellites for monitoring or active debris removal. Instead, a more sustainable approach involves repurposing existing in orbit assets and leveraging the sensing, navigation, and communication capabilities already present in space—an emerging direction that several studies are beginning to explore. This perspective reinforces the need to identify which data are essential for enabling such in situ detection and monitoring strategies for RSOs.
This study provides a first stage assessment of the minimum data required to support Zero Debris–aligned collision risk management. It reviews existing in situ and remote debris detection techniques and evaluates their applicability to operational RSOs, identifying the key parameters—such as state accuracy, covariance realism, physical characteristics, and maneuverability information—needed for each method to function effectively. The analysis further examines which of these parameters could be shared without compromising sensitive capabilities. Future work will also investigate the requirements that active satellites will need to meet to upgrade their flight software and enable cooperative, in‑situ debris‑detection capabilities.
By mapping detection techniques to their essential data requirements and assessing the feasibility of sharing these parameters, this work establishes a baseline framework to inform future regulatory developments and data sharing guidelines. The ultimate objective is to enhance space situational awareness, reduce operational uncertainty, and support the implementation of the Zero Debris vision through more transparent, resource efficient, and sustainable space operations