Economic analysis requirements in support of orbital debris regulatory policy

摘要

Abstract: As the number of Earth orbiting objects increases sodoes the potential for generating orbital debris withthe consequent increase in the likelihood of impactingand damaging operating satellites. Various debrisremediation approaches are being considered thatencompass both in-orbit and return-to-Earth schema andhave varying degrees of operations, cost, internationalcompetitiveness, and safety implications. Because ofthe diversity of issues, concerns and long-termimpacts, there is a clear need for the setting ofgovernment policies that will lead to an orderlyabatement of the potential orbital debris hazards.These policies may require the establishment of asupportive regulatory regime. The Department ofTransportation is likely to have regulatoryresponsibilities relating to orbital debris stemmingfrom its charge to protect the public health andsafety, safety of property, and national securityinterests and foreign policy interests of the UnitedStates. This paper describes DOT's potential regulatoryrole relating to orbital debris remediation, the myriadof issues concerning the need for establishinggovernment policies relating to orbital debrisremediation and their regulatory implications, theproposed technological solutions and their economic andsafety implications. Particular emphasis is placed uponaddressing cost-effectiveness and economic analyses asthey relate to economic impact analysis in support ofregulatory impact analysis. !7