Developing Commercialization Framework for Space Debris Removal

As orbital debris continues to become a higher priority for the space industry, there is a need to explore how partnerships between the public and private space sector may aid in addressing this issue. This research develops a framework for planning orbital debris remediation missions, providing a quantitative basis for partnerships that are mutually beneficial between space operators and debris remediators. By using systems-based space logistics and game theory, we illuminate the high level costs of remediating orbital debris, and the surplus that stands to be shared as a result. These findings indicate significant progress towards the continued development of a safe, sustainable, and profitable space economy.