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Luftfahrttechnik

Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln

Model United Nations

Luisa L. ©

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Committee: Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)
Issue: Preventing satellite collision

Position: Main Chair

 

Contents

INTRODUCTION... 1

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS.. 2

BACKGROUND INFORMATION... 3

MAJOR COUNTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED... 5

TIMELINE OF EVENTS.. 7

UN INVOLVEMENT: RELEVANT RESOLUTIONS, TREATIES AND EVENTS.. 7

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.. 7

BIBLIOGRAPHY.. 8

 

INTRODUCTION

On February 10, 2009 everything changed in the history of space exploration. The US commercial Iridium spacecraft hit a defunct Russian satellite at an altitude of about 800km over Siberia; a collision of what is thought to be the biggest incident of its kind to date. The impact produced a cloud of debris, which will be tracked into the future. “U.S. space agency NASA estimated that the satellite collision created approximately 1,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters, in addition to many smaller ones”. Some parts of the wreckages of both US Iridium and Russian Cosmos are expected to burn up in the atmosphere in at least a couple of years. Nevertheless, this cloud of debris poses a potential threat to opposite satellites. What types of collisions exist? What are the effects of such collisions? And, how can man prevent satellite collisions? As the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) is a special as well a unique committee, this Study Guide will help each and every delegate of this committee aiming to understand not only the importance of the issue, but also how such a scientific committee. Before you start reading, remind to yourself the reasons, why you particularly chose COPUOS. This will help you with your upcoming work on your resolutions. A tip for every delegate? Enjoy the time dealing with this issue and leave the rest for the committee room. I am looking forward to watch your commitment and engagement.

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Term 1           

“Satellite”

“A satellite is a moon, planet or machine that orbits a planet or star. For example, Earth is a satellite because it orbits the sun. Likewise, the moon is a satellite because it orbits Earth. Usually, the word "satellite" refers to a machine that is launched into space and moves around Earth or another body in space.

Earth and the moon are examples of natural satellites. Thousands of artificial, or man-made, satellites orbit Earth. Some take pictures of the planet that help meteorologists predict weather and track hurricanes. Some take pictures of other planets, the sun, black holes, dark matter or faraway galaxies. These pictures help scientists better understand the solar system and universe.

Still other satellites are used mainly for communications, such as beaming TV signals and phone calls around the world. A group of more than 20 satellites make up the Global Positioning System, or GPS. If you have a GPS receiver, these satellites can help figure out your exact location[1].”

Term 2

“Collision”

“ A crash in which two or more things or people hit each other[2]

Applied definition:

“A satellite collision is when two objects collide while in orbit around a third, much larger body, such as a planet or moon. This definition can be loosely extended to include collisions between sub-orbital or escape-velocity objects with an object in orbit[3]”.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)[4] acknowledged that the debris cloud  could pose a slight risk to the space stations, which could be moved in an attempt to avoid any other possible debris. The Secure World Foundation[5] points out therefore the external need for introducing and installing an international space traffic control system. Existing space surveillance systems exhibit an extreme inefficiency, considered also as one of the reasons led to the 2009 satellite collision. The U.S. Defense Department is also in deep negotiations with nations with a demonstrated interest in space situational awareness. In regards to this, the U.S. Air Force considers whether it should be making public a larger share of the data it collects from space traffic. Knowledge is the key to everything, knowledge is power. But none of the parties involves, neither the United States or Russia, had any warning or knowledge of the upcoming incident, because it is vital to point out, that the 2009 satellite collision could have been prevented, if the parties were warned. With the warning they would be able to change the orbit locations of the satellites. Nevertheless, the U.S. Air Force receives a vast number of false collisions, as the space traffic system they have, lacks in data information and accuracy. Hence, a new balance between sharing and security should be reconsidered, as the former can positively contribute to the latter in many ways. So, if the U.S. Air Force would be sharing data with “friends and allies”, the partners with which it feels comfortable sharing, can subsidize into creating a globally distributed network of optical and radar sensors. But, when excluding any possible space actors from this vital information, it can heighten tensions and cause other states to coalesce into an opposing system. An international system to combine and share space situational awareness is an important first step to prevent satellite collisions. First of all, all states participating can spread the costs of developing such a system. Secondly, since most of the required sensors already exist, only a few would need to be constructed. Thirdly, every country interested in investing or finance their construction can contribute resources in other ways. All these can increase cooperation among states.

In February 2009, the 46th Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was held in Vienna. In their reports the following statement was published:”Since space is becoming an increasingly congested environment, heightened space situational awareness as well as international cooperation between governments and industry is critical in the future”.

The importance of the issue through the eyes of  the states involved in the incident[6]

Ray Williamson, Executive Director of the Private Foundation for Secure and Sustainable Use of Space, pointed out in his statement the significance of implementing a space situational awareness system:"This collision[in February 2009] underscores in a dramatic way the importance of instituting an international civil space situational awareness (SSA) system as soon as possible. In the absence of reliable ways to clear debris from orbit, it will be increasingly important to follow all active satellites to prevent future preventable collisions."

Guan Kejiang, a People’s Daily U.S. correspondent, claimed that the Pentagon is aware of the limited capabilities of U.S military’s space surveillance system. Elizabeth Mailander, Spokesperson for U.S. Iridium Satellite, responded to this statement:” We did not receive any prior warning. In addition, since the warnings we had previously received were not precise enough and there were too many satellites changing direction in orbit, we [ultimately] failed to avoid the threat”.

Yu Hongjian, a People's Daily Russia correspondent, blames the U.S Iridium Satellite monitoring network: “Russian space expert Igor Lisov explained that Russia's Kosmos-2251 satellite has stopped functioning as early as 1995. In contrast, the US Iridium 33 satellite was in normal working condition and its operational orbit could be controlled and adjusted”.

Li Yan, a People's Daily France correspondent, supports Yu Hongjian’s statement: “Philippe Goudy, deputy director of France's space center in Toulouse, thinks that the cause might have been careless monitoring by US operators”.

Guan Kejiang, comments on the significance of data sharing: “The satellite collision accident demonstrates that all countries should improve the sharing of space information. In the future, countries should better exchange satellite orbit data with each other”. US State Department spokesperson Rob McInturff said that all countries with interests in outer space should mutually cooperate in order to avoid similar accidents”.

Mazlan Othman, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, addressed  member countries and international organizations to fully carry out the "IADC Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines. He said the implementation of these guidelines will help protecting the environment in outer space and that the guidelines were written bearing in mind the interests of mankind.

Inaugurating a system for the promotion of space safety is an important first step creating space traffic management. Hitherto, very few companies or countries have invested the corresponding resources in this area. Currently, large amounts of data on space functioning and safety has been collected by participants from scientific and research institutions and multinational companies to satellite observation stations. But how can they integrate these various types of resources and make them mutually compatible?  The basic principle on enacting space traffic regulations is how to "avoid" space debris and spacecrafts that are under "surveillance". There is still a long way to go before international conventions regarding space traffic rules can be met.

MAJOR COUNTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED

United States of America

The United States have played a significant role in the history of space exploration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is working in the field of space exploration since 1958. Also, the U.S. Air Force is the only service that possesses a database on orbit traffic.

Secure World Foundation[7]

“Secure World Foundation envisions the secure, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space contributing to global stability on Earth.

SWF works with governments, industry, international organizations and civil society to develop and promote ideas and actions for international collaboration that achieve the secure, sustainable, and peaceful uses of outer space.

With the end of the Cold War and rapid spread of access to information, more of humanity is seeking to obtain the security and socioeconomic benefits that space systems can provide.  This trend, in turn, is promoting rapid growth in the number of space actors.  The growth in stakeholders benefitting from space systems has exposed the limitations of existing global legal, policy, technical, and operational regimes to preserve the space environment.

At this point, just one half century into the Space Age, the Foundation believes it has a unique opportunity to play a role in establishing the secure and sustainable use of the space domain.  Central to this opportunity are: increasing the knowledge about the space environment and the need to maintain it, promoting international cooperation and dialog, and helping all space actors realize the benefits that space can provide.”

Russia

Along with the Kosmos satellites operated by the Soviet Union, a large number of military satellites were launched between 1960 and 1990. Russia is one of the first countries, which developed a space program. His classified military program evolved around a great number of pioneering accomplishments in space flight, including the first satellite (Sputnik-1), first animal in space (the dog Laika on Sputnik 2), first human in space and Earth orbit (cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on Vostok 1), first woman in space and Earth orbit (cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova on Vostok  image of the far side of the moon (Luna 3) and unmanned lunar soft landing (Luna 9), first space rover, first space station, and first interplanetary probe. So, Russia is without doubt one of the countries directly involved in the issue.

Australia

An Australian company is developing a laser tracking system that will help prevent collisions between satellites and space debris, thanks to a $4 million grant from the Federal Government. Laser tracking systems have been used to track satellites, but now the company hopes to market a new product to satellite owners and space explorers, which will help track space debris.

China

China is slowly becoming one of the strongest powers in space, promising to land on the Moon in just a few years, and planning already a future mission to Mars. If there is a chance for a new Space Race to occur in the future, China would be the new competitor of the US.

 

Space Agencies around the world operating satellites

  • Mexican Space Agency
  • Algerian Space Agency
  • Asia Pacific Multilateral Cooperation in Space Technology and Applications (China)
  • Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (Japan)
  • Azerbaijan National Aerospace Agency
  • Brazilian Space Agency
  • UK Space Agency
  • Bulgarian Space Agency
  • Canadian Space Agency
  • China National Space Administration
  • Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (Australia)
  • Danish Space Research Institution
  • European Space Agency
  • Institute for Space Applications and Remote Sensing (Greece)
  • Iranian Space Agency
  • Israeli Space Agency
  • Italian Space Agency
  • Japan Space Exploration Agency
  • Korean Committee of Space Technology (North Korea)
  • Korea Aerospace Research Institute (South Korea)
  •  

    TIMELINE OF EVENTS

    Date

    Description of Event

    October, 1957

    Sputnik 1, first satellite ever launched (Russia)

    1958

    Establishment of NASA

    February 10, 2009

    Cosmos/Iridium satellite collision

    February 2009

    46th Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS)

                   

    UN INVOLVEMENT: RELEVANT RESOLUTIONS, TREATIES AND EVENTS

    In February 2009, the 46th Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was held in Vienna. In their reports the following statement was published: “Since space is becoming an increasingly congested environment, heightened space situational awareness as well as international cooperation between governments and industry is critical in the future”.

    .

    POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

    To sum up the methods of preventing satellite collisions, the need to establish a civil space traffic control system urges to be stressed, as it is the first step to find a solution to the issue. Data warning about the possibility of a collision beforehand should also be provided. So, the question is, whether the International Space Agency will have an international database on orbit traffic in its possession( the U.S Air Force already has a database). The U.S. Air Force could perhapsshould be making public a larger share of the data it collects from space traffic.  It is very vital getting the right information to the right authorities in time, in order to make the right avoidance maneuver decision. If Instituting an international civil space situational awareness (SSA) system, such system could be employed to warn possible collisions. Also, what can be proved to be time-saving, is installing lasers, very high frequency radars and a network of small, optical sensors, which can contribute into detecting smaller pieces of orbital junk in low and medium Earth orbit.

    The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) designed since 2008 a comprehensive set of analysis, modeling, simulation, and visualization tools (Testbed Environmental for Space Situational Awareness TESSA). TESSA improves performance analysis of the collection of radio-frequency and optical-sensing systems called the Space Surveillance Network (SSN), currently used by the U.S. Air Force Space Command to monitor space activities.

     

    BIBLIOGRAPHY

    1. ipo.llnl.gov/data/assets/docs/optical_imaging.pdf
    2. library.thinkquest.org/J002741/nations_in_space.htm

     

     

     

     



    [1] Source: NASA Education,

    [2] Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary,

    [3] Source: Wikipedia,

    [4] The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research, Source:

    [5]  The Secure World Foundation envisions the secure, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space contributing to global stability on Earth., Source:

    [6] Direct Source: Satellite collision triggers calls for "space traffic regulations"

    [7] Direct Source: www. swfound.org/about-us/who-we-are/


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