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

Author

Listed:
  • Zachary Grzelka

    (Syracuse University)

  • Jeffrey Wagner

    (Rochester Institute of Technology)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Zachary Grzelka & Jeffrey Wagner, 2019. "Managing Satellite Debris in Low-Earth Orbit: Incentivizing Ex Ante Satellite Quality and Ex Post Take-Back Programs," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 74(1), pages 319-336, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:enreec:v:74:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s10640-019-00320-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10640-019-00320-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Julien Guyot & Akhil Rao & Sebastien Rouillon, 2022. "The long-run economics of sustainable orbit use," Working Papers hal-03896730, HAL.
    2. Rao, Akhil & Burgess, Matthew & Kaffine, Daniel, 2020. "Orbital-use fees could more than quadruple the value of the space industry," MPRA Paper 112708, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Akhil Rao & Giacomo Rondina, 2022. "The Economics of Orbit Use: Open Access, External Costs, and Runaway Debris Growth," Papers 2202.07442, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2023.
    4. Bernhard, Pierre & Deschamps, Marc & Zaccour, Georges, 2023. "Large satellite constellations and space debris: Exploratory analysis of strategic management of the space commons," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 304(3), pages 1140-1157.
    5. Bongers, Anelí & Torres, José L., 2023. "Orbital debris and the market for satellites," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    6. Jeffrey Wagner, 2021. "Optimal deterrence under misperception of the probability of apprehension and the magnitude of sanctions," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 41(3), pages 2080-2088.
    7. Akhil Rao, 2024. "Close Encounters of the LEO Kind: Spillovers and Resilience in Partially-Automated Traffic Systems," Papers 2410.04599, arXiv.org.
    8. Julien GUYOT & Sébastien ROUILLON, 2021. "Designing satellites to cope with orbital debris," Bordeaux Economics Working Papers 2021-16, Bordeaux School of Economics (BSE).
    9. Adilov, Nodir & Alexander, Peter J. & Cunningham, Brendan M., 2023. "The economics of satellite deorbiting performance bonds," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 228(C).
    10. Martin Stuermer & Maxwell Fleming & Ian Lange & Sayeh Shojaeinia, 2023. "Growth and Resources in Space: Pushing the Final Frontier?," Working Papers 2023-02, Colorado School of Mines, Division of Economics and Business.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics of outer space; Orbital debris; Outer space pollution; Space law;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy
    • K32 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety Law
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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