orbitaldel

Orbitaldel is a term that has emerged in discussions surrounding space debris and its potential mitigation strategies. It refers to the deliberate removal of orbital debris from Earth's orbit. This concept is distinct from passive methods of debris management, such as designing satellites to de-orbit themselves at the end of their missions. Orbitaldel implies an active, planned intervention to clear space.

The primary motivation behind orbitaldel concepts is the growing concern over the increasing amount of space junk, which poses a significant threat to operational satellites, crewed space missions, and future space activities. The Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where the density of orbital objects reaches a point that a collision cascades, creating even more debris, is a major driver for considering active removal.

Various methods for orbitaldel have been proposed, ranging from robotic capture systems and net-based removal to laser ablation that nudges debris into lower orbits where they burn up. However, these proposed solutions face considerable technical challenges, including the difficulty of tracking and maneuvering to intercept fast-moving debris, the high cost of such operations, and the potential for creating even more debris during the removal process. Furthermore, legal and political questions surround who would be responsible for such operations and who would bear the costs. Despite these challenges, orbitaldel remains an active area of research and discussion within the space community.