Large satellite constellations and space debris: Exploratory analysis of strategic management of the space commons

The use of space through satellites is more and more important for nations, companies, and individuals. However, since the first satellite was sent up in 1957, mankind has been polluting space with debris (i.e., artificial objects with no function), especially in low orbits (between 100 and 2000km). The current situation is such that: 1/ space agencies send on average several collision risk alerts every day, and 2/ satellites as well as the International Space Station regularly perform avoidance maneuvers to escape being damaged or simply destroyed.In addition, in the last few years, these problems have become more worrisome and may permanently change dimension with the advent of mega-constellations of satellites. Indeed, in order to develop telecommunications and high-speed Internet, several companies (e.g., Starlink, Kuiper, OneWeb, Hongyan, Hongyun, Leosat, Athena) are planning to send several tens of thousands of satellites into low orbits, which are already the most polluted. The purpose of this paper is to provide an economic analysis in terms of dynamic games of the trade-off between constellation size and cost of preserving the space environment. Our goal is to contribute to provide a framework for a sustainable development of a space economy.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The use of satellite technology has become increasingly important for nations, companies, and individuals. However, since the first satellite was launched in 1957, space has been polluted with debris, especially in low orbits. The current situation is concerning, with frequent collision risk alerts and avoidance maneuvers by satellites and the International Space Station. The introduction of mega-constellations of satellites has further exacerbated these problems. This paper provides an economic analysis to balance the size of satellite constellations with the cost of preserving the space environment, aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of the space economy.