My intention with this essay is to identify and maybe predict how space will evolve, what would be the pivotal sectors that drive major growth. We can look at people already working in those sectors, their technologies and then determine if something is missing.
Orbital Infrastructure
Debris Management
14,000 satellites are in orbit as of December 2024 and 3,500 are defunct.
Apart from about the debris situation is as follows • 34,000 pieces of space junk larger than 10 centimeters • 128 million pieces of space debris smaller than 1 cm
Satellites are required to be de-orbited after their mission or life is over - however there are no enforcing mechanisms.
Solutions:
- Identification: Radar satellites in orbit to identify small and large debris
- Tracking and Avoidance System: Software to track debris, notifications for avoidance, sync with satellites to perform debris avoidance maneuvers
- De-Orbiting: Laser based for small debris, Tugs for larger debris, Automated De-Orbiting
Business Model: Need to explore a model with government dependency. A subscription service for all satellite manufacturers to outsource debris management for instance.