Medvedeva, A. (2015). Space debris remediation : an international relations approach [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2015.30974
space debris; remediation; regime theory; orbital waste; international relations
en
Abstract:
This thesis reviews the issue of space debris remediation from the point of Regime theory of International Relations. The main principle of the Regime theory lies in the idea that the key to successful intergovernmental cooperation is in creating an intergovernmental regime. So far, there is no efficient regime to govern the problem of space debris remediation. Since the beginning of human space exploration in 1957, the orbital environment around Earth has been constantly cluttered with human-made waste. With new satellites launched onto orbit every year, the space available for new technology becomes limited and the possibility of collision between space objects grows. Thus, a regime is necessary to govern the process of space debris remediation through an intergovernmental agreement, which would include provisions on legislation, funding, liability concerns among many other aspects.