What will happen to the near-Earth space environment? How can we ensure the survival of future scientific, commercial and military satellites and space stations? This book addresses the questions that must be asked as man-made debris in space around the Earth - from dust particles to rocket casings, and even radioactive materials - becomes a critical problem. World wide specialists address the issues, problems and policies concerned with the preservation of near-Earth space in this volume. Their articles cover the technical aspects, and the economic and legal issues concerned, including the enforcement and monitoring of international agreements and the resolution of disputes. This clearly written and well-illustrated survey offers the professional and concerned non-specialist an authoritative review of the problems with, and solutions to, space debris.

‘This is a splendid volume. Its usefulness is enhanced by a short bibliography on space debris. It is a book which should be read with care by all astronomers and to which due reference will be made in years to come.’

Source: Observatory