Space Debris Mitigation
Technical and operational measures to minimize the creation of orbital debris and ensure sustainable use of outer space.
Space debris mitigation encompasses all measures taken to limit the generation of space debris and preserve the orbital environment for future generations. International guidelines and national laws require debris mitigation; the EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335, Art. 70 and Annex V) would add binding rules if adopted.
Regulatory Framework The IADC (Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee) guidelines and ISO 24113 are the main technical references. The EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335) sets its own requirements in Art. 70 and Annex V and does not incorporate IADC or ISO 24113 by reference.
Key Mitigation Measures
Design Phase:
- Minimize release of mission-related objects
- Design for demise (atmospheric burn-up)
- Collision avoidance capability
- Passivation at end of life
Operational Phase:
- Active debris tracking and avoidance
- Conjunction assessment participation
- Anomaly reporting
End-of-Life Phase:
- 25-year deorbit guideline for LEO (IADC); the EU Space Act proposal (COM(2025) 335) leaves the maximum LEO orbital lifetime to an implementing act (Annex V point 3.4.2)
- Graveyard orbit insertion for GEO
- Controlled re-entry when possible
Compliance Documentation Operators must submit debris mitigation plans as part of their authorization application, including:
- Orbital lifetime analysis
- Collision probability assessment
- End-of-life disposal plan
- Passivation procedures