To Clear or to Eliminate? Active Debris Removal Systems as Antisatellite Weapons

Abstrakt

Outer space is a congested strategic domain. The issue of space debris mitigation is one of the key issues of safe space traffic.

However, active debris removal (ADR) systems may raise concerns about their dual-use capabilities. In this article, the authors have analyzed the ADR systems focusing on their potential as space weapons.

The article concludes that ADR systems can be utilized for harmful purposes, although with limited impact. This limited potential of ADR systems to become antisatellite weapons allow for the development of such systems keeping in place basic confidence and trust building measures.

The authors believe the further commercialization of space sector could enhance the space debris mitigation efforts.

Klíčová slova

• ASAT
• Active debris removal
• Dual-use
• NewSpace
• Space debris
• Space security
• Space traffic
• Space weapon