Panel Discussions On International Space Activities PDF Download

This chapter deals with some key topics of orbital safety. It starts with an overview of the issue of space traffic control and space situational awareness, and then proceeds to address conjunction analyses and collision avoidance maneuvers (CAM), including for the International Space Station. Another kind of collision risk discussed is the jettison of discarded hardware. The chapter then covers rendezvous and docking/berthing operations. Collision safety risks, their causes and consequences, and the measures for protection are discussed in detail. The chapter also covers the issues of space vehicles charging and contamination hazards, including the shock hazard for astronauts involved in extravehicular activities. Finally, the chapter presents end-of life mitigation measures and techniques for space debris removal, such as space tugs, drag devices and electrodynamic propulsion.