Dossier No.22 – Europe and Space Debris

More than 5,000 satellites have been launched since 1957 and the large amount of space debris produced as a by-product of this activity represents a significant risk in the event of collision with operational satellites and also, at least for larger debris, a danger on re-entry.

ANAE set up a working group to tackle the subject, its brief being to assess the overall situation, identify possible measures and draft recommendations to be addressed to the relevant authorities. This in turn led to the organisation of a colloquium bringing together experts from all associated fields in order to examine technical, financial and legal aspects and take a closer look at problems linked with space surveillance and international cooperation.