Space Sustainability in Earth Orbits: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Identify and Mitigate Economic, Operational, and Technological Risks of Active Debris Removal Solutions

The surge in launch traffic to low Earth orbit (LEO) is driven by its role as a critical infrastructure for the space economy. As commercial use of LEO expands, concerns about space environment sustainability and space debris are growing among policymakers, private companies, and public institutions. Solutions to address orbit overcrowding, such as active debris removal (ADR) technologies, have been explored, but there is no legal framework assigning responsibility for debris removal. The adoption of these technologies raises concerns about accidents, instability, and mistrust, with potential national security implications, especially since some ADR methods could be repurposed for anti-satellite operations to harm space assets. This article applies a technology assessment methodology to evaluate the risks and attractiveness of these technologies. It analyzes current and emerging solutions for debris removal and monitoring, assessing the associated economic, political, and security risks. It also provides public recommendations to promote the safe, secure, and sustainable use of these technologies while addressing the identified risks.