ISO 24113:2023
(Main)Space systems — Space debris mitigation requirements
Space systems — Space debris mitigation requirements
This document defines the primary space debris mitigation requirements applicable to all elements of unmanned systems launched into, or passing through, near-Earth space, including launch vehicle orbital stages, operating spacecraft and any objects released as part of normal operations.
Systèmes spatiaux — Exigences de mitigation des débris spatiaux
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 24113
Fourth edition
2023-05
Space systems — Space debris
mitigation requirements
Systèmes spatiaux — Exigences de mitigation des débris spatiaux
Reference number
© ISO 2023
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction . vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms.4
4.1 Symbols . 4
4.2 Abbreviated terms . 4
5 General . 5
6 Protected regions. 5
6.1 General . 5
6.2 LEO protected region . 6
6.3 GEO protected region . 6
7 Technical requirements . 6
7.1 Restricting the intentional release of space debris into Earth orbit during normal
operations . 6
7.1.1 General . 6
7.1.2 Space debris from pyrotechnics and solid rocket motors . 6
7.2 Avoiding break-ups in Earth orbit . 7
7.2.1 Intentional break-up . 7
7.2.2 Accidental break-up caused by an on-board source of energy . 7
7.2.3 Accidental break-up caused by a collision . 7
7.3 Disposal of a spacecraft or launch vehicle orbital stage after the end of mission so
as to minimize interference with the protected regions . 8
7.3.1 Provisions for successful disposal . . 8
7.3.2 Disposal to minimize interference with the GEO protected region . 8
7.3.3 Disposal to minimize interference with the LEO protected region . 9
7.3.4 Re-entry . 9
8 Planning requirements .10
8.1 General . 10
8.2 Space debris mitigation plan . 10
Annex A (informative) Post-launch life cycle phases of a launch vehicle or spacecraft .11
Bibliography .12
iii
Foreword
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described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
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www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles,
Subcommittee SC 14, Space systems and operations.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 24113:2019), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the addition of a term and definition for "expected number of casualties per re-entry" to replace the
term "casualty risk";
— the modification of definitions for the terms "disposal phase", "Earth orbit", "end of life", "end of
mission", "passivate" and "probability of successful disposal";
— the applicability of requirements in this document with respect to a space object that enters an
unbound Keplerian orbit or leaves Earth orbit;
— the modification of a requirement relating to space debris left in Earth orbit by a launch vehicle after
normal operations;
— minor changes to two of the requirements relating to accidental break-up caused by an on-board
source of energy;
— changes to a requirement and NOTE concerning the assessment of the probability of impact-induced
break-up of a spacecraft;
— the modification of a requirement and addition of a NOTE relating to the assessment of the probability
that an impact will prevent the successful disposal of a spacecraft;
— the modification of a requirement and addition of a NOTE relating to the need for disposal capability/
probability reassessment before extending the mission lifetime of a spacecraft;
iv
— the addition of NOTEs pointing out the need for and potential benefit of reducing orbital lifetime
significantly below 25 years in the LEO protected region;
— the addition of a NOTE concerning the collision probability associated with a deployable device
that augments the orbital decay of a spacecraft or launch vehicle orbital stage in the LEO protected
region;
— the modification of a requirement relating to the assessment of the hazard caused by ground impact
of any objects that are expected to survive re-entry;
— the specification of a threshold for the expected number of casualties during the re-entry of a
spacecraft or launch vehicle orbital stage, and the addition of supplementary NOTEs;
— the addition of a NOTE concerning the listed contents of the space debris mitigation plan;
— minor modifications to the two figures in Annex A;
— updates to the Bibliography.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
Introduction
Space debris comprises all objects of human origin in Earth orbit or re-entering the atmosphere,
including fragments and elements thereof, that no longer serve a useful purpose. The growing population
of these objects poses an increasing hazard to mankind’s use of space. In response to this problem, there
is international consensus that space activities need to be managed to minimize collision risks among
space objects and casualty risks associated with atmospheric re-entry of such objects. This consensus
is embodied in space debris mitigation guidelines published by organizations such as the International
[1] [2]
Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC)
[3] [4]
and the United Nations (UN). The transformation of debris mitigation guidelines into engineering
practice is a key purpose of this document.
[5]
The importance of this document can be seen within the context of four UN treaties that were
established under the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) to
govern the involvement of nations in space activities. These are the Outer Space Treaty, the Liability
Convention, the Registration Convention and the Rescue Agreement. Through some of these treaties, a
launching State has total liability for damage caused by its spacecraft or launch vehicle orbital stages
(or any parts thereof) on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft in flight, as well as in outer space where
fault can be proven.
All countries are encouraged to abide by these international agreements in order not to endanger or
constrain existing and future activities in space. A launching State can choose to appoint licensing or
regulatory authorities to administer its approach for complying with the above-mentioned UN treaties.
In several launching States, these authorities have implemented national legislation to enforce the
UN treaties. Such legislation can include the mitigation of space debris. Some launching States meet
their obligations by appointing non-regulatory government bodies, such as national space agencies, to
provide the necessary guidelines or requirements, including those for space debris mitigation.
The general aim of space debris mitigation is to reduce the growth of space debris by ensuring that
spacecraft and launch vehicle orbital stages are designed, operated and disposed of in a manner that
prevents them from generating debris throughout their orbit lifetime. Another aim of space debris
mitigation is to ensure that space objects re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere cause no harm. These
aims are achieved by the following actions:
a) avoiding the intentional release of space debris into Earth orbit during normal operations;
b) avoiding break-ups in Earth orbit;
c) removing spacecraft and launch vehicle orbital stages from protected orbital regions after the end
of mission;
d) performing the necessary actions to minimize the risk of collision with other space objects;
e) reducing the risks associated with re-entry, e.g. to people, property and the Earth's environment.
Such actions are especially important for a spacecra
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