SWF Statement – UN COPUOS STSC, Agenda Item 8: Space Debris Mitigation and Remediation (February 2022)

Secure World Foundation calls on the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee to expand its longstanding focus on space debris mitigation to also include space debris remediation. While mitigation reduces future debris generation, remediation aims to address the growing population of debris already in orbit—an essential step for ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities.

SWF outlines several key remediation technologies and practices, including:

• Active removal of debris threatening operational satellites
• Post-mission disposal of satellites
• Just-in-time collision avoidance
• Reuse and recycling of derelict space objects

The statement emphasizes that many of these are already under development or being tested in orbit. SWF also underscores the need for international discussions around:

• Best practices and behavioral norms
• Legal questions under international space law, including liability, authorization, and ownership

The Foundation concludes by encouraging COPUOS to take a leading role in shaping the policy and legal frameworks necessary to enable safe, cooperative remediation practices.