An Inevitable Technological Disaster Type: Space Debris
International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, cilt.6, sa.2, ss.61-77, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 6 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2024
- Doi Numarası: 10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.2.5
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Disaster Risk Management
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: European Reference Index for the Humanities and Social Science (ERIH PLUS)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.61-77
- Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The rapid accumulation of space debris has emerged as a critical threat to global satellite infrastructure, jeopardizing essential services such as communications, navigation and real-time weather forecasting, which are fundamental to effective disaster management. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the multifaceted challenges posed by space debris, focusing on collision risks, Kessler Syndrome and the inherent vulnerabilities of satellite networks. It highlights significant gaps in existing international regulatory frameworks, underscoring the urgent need for stronger global coordination. While technological interventions such as Active Debris Removal (ADR) and enhanced Space Situational Awareness (SSA) show promise, they fall short when applied alone. A sustainable solution requires an integrated approach that combines innovative technologies such as on-orbit manufacturing and self-destruction systems with policy reforms that enforce stricter debris management protocols and encourage compliance with economic measures such as debris removal credits and orbital parking fees. China, European Union, the United States and some other countries have already begun the work needed to coordinate space activities, but the breadth of these efforts and rules varies from country to country, and the lack of ownership or control of space is a problem. Given the important role of satellites in disaster response, the protection of space assets is essential to sustaining global resilience. Ensuring long-term sustainability will depend on international cooperation, binding agreements and a collective commitment to preserve the orbital environment for future generations.