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Published:1986
Author:
Origin:Proc. 29th Colloquium on the Law of Outer Space, IISL, pp. 161-170; also at www.spacefuture.com/archive/ towards_traffic_control_systems_for_near_earth_space.shtml
Abstract:

As human activities in space expand in coming years, the density of near-earth traffic may reach a level at which there will become a significant hazard from collisions between operational spacecraft. Before this occurs there will be a need for international agreements aimed at reducing the chances of collisions between spacecraft. Two particular scenarios are considered under which the density of orbital traffic could increase very substantially beyond present levels within this century, namely the development of satellite power stations (SPS), and the development of orbital tourist facilities. The paper considers the possibilities for the introduction of certain traffic systems for near-earth space, both from a theoretical and from an institutional point of view, and proposes some simple means of reducing the collision hazard in relation to the SPS and Space Tourism scenarios.

References:
  • Potential Economic Implications of the Development of Space Tourism
  • Space Tourism Could Drive Space Development
  • Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
  • Outer Space Treaty
  • Space Law: Current Status and Issues
  • The Collision Hazard in Space
  • Man-Made Debris Threatens Future Space Operations
  • Satellite Power System Reference System Report
  • The Solar Power Satellite - Progress So Far
  • Satellite Power System International Agreements
  • Legal and Political Problems of the Solar Power Stations in Space
  • Legal Aspects of the Transmission of Electric Power by Radio Frequencies
  • Space Tourism - Key to the Universe?
  • Design Considerations for an Amateur Solar Sail Spacecraft
  • Tether Propulsion
  • Satellite Debris: Recent Measurements
  • Electric Power from Orbit
  • SPS - Electromagnetic System Compatibility
  • Aviation Week and Space Technology
  • Solar Power Satellites [2]
  • Aerospace America
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Keywords:Vehicles:Operations:Traffic
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