ESA Zero Debris Policy and Requirements

Key Requirements

• Post-mission disposal reduced from 25 years to 5 years in LEO — massive acceleration of deorbit timeline
• 90% probability of successful disposal required — forces design redundancy and reliability
• Servicing interfaces mandatory — objects in protected orbits must have interfaces enabling active debris removal if primary disposal fails
• Collision avoidance coordination requirements based on current best practices
• Lunar orbit — preliminary requirements to prevent debris generation around the Moon
• Space Debris Mitigation Assessment Board established to advise Director General

Zero Debris Charter

• Signed by 40+ space sector actors — industry, agencies, operators
• Goal: significantly limit debris production by 2030 for all ESA missions
• Stricter requirements for satellite constellations effective immediately
• Part of ESA's Agenda 2025 strategic framework

Significance

• Most aggressive debris policy from any major space agency
• 5-year rule creates design constraint — satellites need reliable deorbit capability
• Servicing interface mandate creates market demand for ADR companies
• Sets precedent for other agencies (NASA, JAXA) to tighten requirements
• Combined with ORBITS Act funding, creates both supply (ADR companies) and demand (mandatory interfaces)

Source: ESA Zero Debris Policy — ESA, 2023