This article serves as the fourth installment in a series on Lunar Orbital Congestion. In my previous articles, “Lunar Orbital Congestion Is Gonna Be A Thing” and “Lunar Orbital Congestion II: Economic and Strategic Drivers,” I argued that satellite congestion around the Moon will become a prominent issue sooner than expected. There is a high level of interest in the Moon, and the cost of satellite construction, launch, and delivery to lunar orbit is decreasing rapidly. However, space in Low Lunar Orbit (LLO) is limited, which will lead to competitive strategies for lunar communications and remote sensing constellations.
In my previous article, “Lunar Orbital Congestion III: The Nitty Gritty Of Ejecta,” I discussed the potential problem of lunar surface material being ejected into space during rocket landings and launches, posing a risk to orbital assets. In this article, I will propose specific policy measures to ensure orderly and productive lunar skies without hindering scientific exploration or commercial development.
The first step in maintaining clean lunar orbits is to assess what currently exists in those orbits. As mentioned in my previous articles, we have a limited understanding of how many objects are currently present in lunar orbits. Many end-of-life objects used in lunar exploration have been abandoned and neglected. However, some, like Apollo 10’s lunar lander “Snoopy” (now in a solar orbit) and India’s Chandrayaan-1 (in a lunar orbit), were rediscovered after years of unaccounted wandering. There could be as few as a dozen or as many as a hundred satellites drifting around the Moon.
To address this issue, Professor Vishnu Reddy and his team at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab, supported by the US Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), have been working on cataloging objects in lunar orbit using Earth-based telescopes. This effort should be expanded into a permanent monitoring solution under the United States Space Force (USSF) and the US Office of Space Commerce (OSC).
Another measure worth exploring is the placement of tracking satellites at Earth-Moon Lagrange points 1 and 2. However, tracking small objects optically would require a telescope with a substantial aperture, and radar would require a significant amount of power at that distance. If feasible, the United States should collaborate with international partners to collect and share this data publicly.
The next step is to ensure that new objects placed in lunar orbits are properly tracked and accounted for. The UN Registration Convention, which has been in operation since the mid-1970s, provides information on satellite launches but lacks a real-time database suitable for actionable Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data. It is essential to update and better coordinate this convention to track lunar objects effectively. The Artemis Accords, agreed upon by 27 nations, serve as foundational principles guiding the development of bilateral agreements for peaceful cooperation in lunar exploration. These accords are grounded in the UN Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, and they encourage all nations to adopt and adhere to the Registration Convention.
To ensure compliance and effective tracking, the USSF should open its data on lunar objects to the OSC. The OSC should compile the best possible database of lunar orbital objects, incorporating empirical data, UN registrations, US launch licensing records, and available information on foreign launches and insertions. This information should be made publicly available.
It is crucial to remove end-of-life assets from lunar space. Similar to the FCC’s requirement for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), operators should be obligated to move satellites out of congested orbits when they are no longer in use or are no longer maneuverable. The Artemis Accords already promote the safe disposal of spacecraft and a commitment to limiting long-term lunar orbital debris. The recycling of valuable materials from decommissioned satellites should be considered, as the market for these materials will follow the development of lunar economy. Specific locations for recycling depots should be designated in lunar orbit and on the surface, ensuring they are safely distant from current operations and historical landing sites.
To encourage the clearing of orbital debris by third parties, a deposit and bounty system can be implemented, similar to the one I would participate in as a child, collecting recyclable bottles and cans for redemption money. Salvage operators, whether commercial or governmental, can be rewarded for removing debris from lunar orbits. This incentivized system can effectively clear orbital space.
In conclusion, these proposed policy measures aim to establish an organized and productive lunar environment while supporting scientific exploration and the commercial development of lunar resources. By accurately monitoring existing lunar orbital material, tracking new objects, clearing end-of-life assets, and implementing a deposit and bounty system, we can ensure the sustainable and responsible utilization of lunar space.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
