Abstract:
This paper examines how international space standards, particularly ISO 24113 and its companion standards, contribute to establishing norms of behavior and codes of conduct for space operations. It describes the evolution of long-standing Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) guidelines into normative international standards through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), highlighting the role of industry, research, and national space agencies in this process. The work emphasizes that space debris mitigation standards extend beyond technical interoperability to encompass collaborative behaviors necessary to sustain the shared orbital environment. Specific attention is given to standardized approaches for orbit lifetime estimation, reentry risk management, collision avoidance, and data exchange, which together enable consistent and defensible operational practices. The paper discusses how these standards address previously ambiguous issues such as lifetime prediction for high-elliptical orbits and the influence of space weather on orbital decay. It further explores the need for evolving standards to remain responsive to advances in scientific understanding, commercial activity, and operational experience. The authors conclude that international space standards provide a practical and flexible foundation for responsible space operations and are central to the long-term sustainability and governance of the space environment.
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Finkleman, D., Oltrogge, D.L. and Stokes, H., “Space Standards Establish Norms for Space Operations,” International Standards Organization Magazine, 15 November 2011, accessible at https://comspoc.com/Resources/Content/Private/C-20220424T054144/Paper/20111115_Space_Stds_for_Space_Ops_Finkleman_Stokes_Oltrogge.pdf.
