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Abstract:
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Since 1957, humanity has launched more than 50,000 tons into space, of which only 80% have returned to Earth, leaving approximately 10,000 tons in orbit. Most of this material constitutes space debris. Currently, 24% of orbital objects are satellites, but only a third are operational, showing that abandoned satellites become space junk without post-mission planning. Among active satellites, nanosatellites stand out, especially CubeSats, which have democratized space access through standardization and low cost. In 2025, the European Union recorded 401 nanosatellite launches, half of which were CubeSats in LEO orbit. However, this popularization generates orbital congestion, since smaller satellites have a longer natural decay time, increasing the risk of Kessler Syndrome: collisions that generate a cascade reaction, exponentially multiplying debris. Given this scenario, the European Space Agency (ESA) developed the Zero Debris Approach (ESSB-ST-U-007), establishing mandatory requirements for missions until 2030. The approach defines risk scenarios by orbital decay time: very high (>25 years), high (5-25 years), and medium (<5 years), with progressively stricter requirements. This paper analyzes mitigation strategies, classified into passive and active methods. Among passive methods, orbital planning is limited in rideshare launches. Drag sails emerge as a consolidated solution: simulations have demonstrated a reduction in the decay of a 1U CubeSat from 71 years to 0.7 years with a 1m² sail, representing a reduction by a factor of 100. Electric propulsion is a medium-cost alternative, serving for attitude control and end-of-life systems. In Active Debris Removal (ADR) techniques, technologies were evaluated according to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and fragmentation risk. The RemoveDEBRIS mission demonstrated two systems: capture nets (TRL 7), which completed the mission with low fragmentation risk despite partial failures; and harpoons (TRL 7), with significant limitations due to the potential to generate secondary debris. The analysis concludes that drag sails are the primary solution for new CubeSat missions, due to their effectiveness, low cost, and technological maturity. For existing debris, capture nets offer the best risk/benefit ratio. In Latin America, where space development is emerging, passive methods are more appropriate due to their lower cost and complexity. A regulatory gap has been identified: the Zero Debris Approach lacks Latin American legislative implications, except in projects with the ESA. It is proposed to create a regional regulatory framework inspired by the European approach, adapted to local realities, promoting sustainable development of the space sector from the early stages. Although the zero debris goal by 2030 is challenging, establishing it as a long-term objective will allow overcoming current technological limitations and demonstrate that developing countries can contribute significantly to orbital sustainability. |
