Managing Satellite Debris in Low-Earth Orbit: Incentivizing Ex Ante Satellite Quality and Ex Post Take-Back Programs

Increased economic activity in low-Earth orbit (LEO) in the past century created debris fields that impede current and future economic activities. We propose an economic model that combines elements of patent law with space law to enable comparisons of policy instruments. In particular, we propose policies that leverage the intellectual property rights system and that facilitate additional joint research and development to incentivize ex ante increases in satellite quality. Our model also considers the impact of individual and collective ex post LEO debris take-back programs, analogous to those designed for terrestrial contexts. Our results suggest policy refinements for the outer space context that may be of interest beyond managing satellite debris in LEO.