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Meteorological Satellites (CGMS) for weather forecasting, International
Space Station partner meetings, Science Community, and Amateur
Community. United Nations mandated UN Office for Outer Space Affairs
(UNOOSA) to collect information about space objects after launch. With
this effort, information on the orbiting objects is registered, but satellites are
not tracked in a unified manner.
In the discussion on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, it is
inevitable to touch upon small satellite applications. Today, various
applications of small satellites are planned and carried out by an increasing
number of governmental and non-governmental entities. Except for some
specific missions that require the most advanced technologies or specific
scientific research, small satellites and even larger Earth observation and
communication satellites can be manufactured by governmental and nongovernmental
entities with varying levels of financial and technological
resources. The limited human resources and funding could be more
effectively applied if space development and utilisation could be pursued in a
coordinated and cooperative manner
Against this background, there is a need to examine how long small satellites
should remain in their orbits. The satellites launched for educational and
capacity-building purposes may not need to be in their orbits for extended
periods. For these, theirlife-time should be limited. This is because small
satellites are often launched through piggy-back rides, and they could impose
significant threats to main satellites because of the lack of a propellant
system for maneuvouring. Those small satellite users should be made aware
of these threats through various workshops or symposiums.
Protection Measures and Mechanisms
The 50th Anniversary Declaration of UNCOPUOS acknowledges that
significant changes have occurred in the structure and content of space
endeavours, as reflected in the emergence of new technologies and the
increasing number of actors at all levels. The Declaration, therefore, noted
with satisfaction the progress made in strengthening international
cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space by enhancing the capacity of
states for economic, social and cultural development and by strengthening
the regulatory frameworks and mechanisms to that effect.
The satellites
launched for
educational and
capacity-building
purposes may not
need to be in their
orbits for extended
periods. For these,
theirlife-time should
be limited. This is
because small
satellites are often
launched through
piggy-back rides, and
they could impose
significant threats to
main satellites
because of the lack of
a propellant system
for maneuvouring.
ICoC and Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities | www.orfonline.org 21