Presentation Type
Poster
Location
Henderson Welcome Center
Start Date
16-11-2016 5:30 PM
Abstract
Emergencies in space are unavoidable, but with the assistance of some fundamental guidelines in space traffic management, these emergencies can be less severe or mitigated. These guidelines should consider the classification of accidents to find areas that need improvement in space traffic management. Space stations can be utilized to assess damage to a spacecraft in the case of debris hits. They can also be used to dock with a spacecraft, if conditions are met, to resolve any technical or structural problems to ensure successful reentry into the atmosphere. In addition to including universal docking capabilities for spacecraft, it is important to consider creating an addendum which requires all spacecraft to have the capability to land on either water or on land. The Outer Space Treaty has created and international space community and subsequent Astronaut Return and Rescue Agreement protects the safety of astronauts. However, with the addition of spaceflight participants and tourists, clarification and definition of the word 'astronaut' is crucial. Including spaceflight participants and tourists in the definition of 'astronaut' would ensure the protection of space tourists and in turn, the future of space tourism.
Managing Emergencies in Human Commercial Spaceflight with Space Traffic Management
Henderson Welcome Center
Emergencies in space are unavoidable, but with the assistance of some fundamental guidelines in space traffic management, these emergencies can be less severe or mitigated. These guidelines should consider the classification of accidents to find areas that need improvement in space traffic management. Space stations can be utilized to assess damage to a spacecraft in the case of debris hits. They can also be used to dock with a spacecraft, if conditions are met, to resolve any technical or structural problems to ensure successful reentry into the atmosphere. In addition to including universal docking capabilities for spacecraft, it is important to consider creating an addendum which requires all spacecraft to have the capability to land on either water or on land. The Outer Space Treaty has created and international space community and subsequent Astronaut Return and Rescue Agreement protects the safety of astronauts. However, with the addition of spaceflight participants and tourists, clarification and definition of the word 'astronaut' is crucial. Including spaceflight participants and tourists in the definition of 'astronaut' would ensure the protection of space tourists and in turn, the future of space tourism.
