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Katz-Hyman, Michael. "Proximity Operations in Outer Space: The Case for a Code of Conduct." INESAP Information Bulletin. No. 26 (June 2006): 64-67. [ 4 quotes ]

Evidence Related to this Citation

Empirically, Proximity Operations have caused Accidents
 
The small satellite, which was called DART­ -- Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology -- bumped into an experimental communication satellite known as MUBLCOM. Initially ground controllers just thought the satellite ran out of fuel as it approached MUBLCOM and bailed from the mission early so as to avoid a disaster. But shortly thereafter engineers at Orbital, the company which built both the $95 million DART and the MUBLCOM satellite, noticed that MUBLCOM was in a higher orbit than it was before the encounter. Four days later US Air Force Space Command, which maintains surveillance on over 10,000 objects in space, confirmed this observation. DART hit MUBLCOM and pushed it into a higher orbit. Luckily, for both craft, no damage was detected. The accident demonstrates the dangers of close quarters operations of satellites. Due to extremely high launch costs, still currently around $10,000 per kilogram, designers and engineers design satellites with the lightest materials possible, which means they are also very fragile. Combine this with the fact that satellites in low earth orbit are traveling at speeds exceeding seven kilometers per second, a collision in space can be catastrophic.
Katz-Hyman, Michael. "Proximity Operations in Outer Space: The Case for a Code of Conduct." INESAP Information Bulletin. No. 26 (June 2006): 64-67. [ 4 quotes ]
A Code of Conduct would Reduce Miscalculation Risks from Dangerous or Provocative Maneuvers
 
Dangerous maneuvers can be misinterpreted as attacks or preparation for attacks. In addition, they can lead to debris generation if a collision occurs. Minimizing and notifying other states of planned maneuvers which may come close to other satellites is key. Under the Model Code, space-faring nations agree to avoid such dangerous maneuvers. If a mission requires a satellite to approach or to dock with another nation's spacecraft, nations agree to prenotify each other of such maneuvers. In the case of autonomous satellites and proximity operations, having clear guidelines on the proper behavior of satellites along with an improved space surveillance network will enhance the security of on-orbit satellites. One way to implement this would be with special caution areas around satellites. This would not prohibit close proximity operations but states maneuvering a satellite within the special caution zones would need to pre-notify and explain their actions. On the sea, this has meant that not only do naval ships not enter such areas without notification, but when they are near such areas they keep an open channel of communication. While the technical implementation of such areas in space would be challenging, they would provide an extra buffer in between very fragile satellites.
Katz-Hyman, Michael. "Proximity Operations in Outer Space: The Case for a Code of Conduct." INESAP Information Bulletin. No. 26 (June 2006): 64-67. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 65 ]
U.S. has Several Promximity Satellite Projects Currently
 
DART is far from being the only close proximity satellite in space. In the United States, there are a number of other autonomous or human controlled spacecraft that are being designed to inspect or repair satellites. Unlike DART, some of these are military projects. XSS-11 (Experimental Satellite Series), which was launched in April 2005, has been conducting "proximity operations" around various spacecraft and pieces of debris. Another satellite called ASTRO (Autonomous Space Transport Robotic Operations) is being built by Boeing for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the US Department of Defense to test the possibility of on-orbit servicing. All three of these programs have been mentioned as possible precursors to a "service tug" that may be used to de-orbit the Hubble Space Telescope when its mission eventually ends.8In addition, as long as there are space shuttles or space stations, close proximity operations in space will be a fact of life.
Katz-Hyman, Michael. "Proximity Operations in Outer Space: The Case for a Code of Conduct." INESAP Information Bulletin. No. 26 (June 2006): 64-67. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 64 ]
A Code of Conduct would do more to Preserve a Nation's Ability to Operate in Space than Limit It
 
Established and agree-upon rules in space will increase security for all nations. If there are understood acceptable behaviors of satellites it will be easier to identify when nations break such rules. It will also be politically easier to form coalitions to respond to such breaches. It will encourage nations to invest in the peaceful uses of space and to develop spacecraft that are potentially transformational, such as autonomous satellites, but not strategically provocative since they will adhere to responsible behaviors. Rules of the road which prevent dangerous actions will increase space assurance and therefore a nation's ability to operate in space. In short, rules of the road increase the freedom of action of nations as opposed to limit it.
Katz-Hyman, Michael. "Proximity Operations in Outer Space: The Case for a Code of Conduct." INESAP Information Bulletin. No. 26 (June 2006): 64-67. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 66 ]