27 5.3 Regulatory and Other Challenges There are non-technical issues with SBSP that may prove challenging, such as debris remediation, spectrum allocation, orbital slots, and security. 5.3.1 Active Debris Removal SBSP is both vulnerable to space debris and a contributor to space debris. While some debris shielding is assumed in this study’s assessment, it is unlikely to provide sufficient protection, and an SBSP system is unlikely to have sufficient warning and maneuverability to avoid collisions with space objects. This would lead to a risk of cascading debris creation and must be mitigated. Moreover, there likely are risks associated with moving a retired SBSP system into a super-GEO graveyard orbit. Moving the debris closer to Earth for disposal would also present risks and costs. The baseline assessment assumes disposal in a graveyard orbit, but this is not necessarily the best course of action. On-orbit industrial capabilities that could recycle debris are not available today, nor is their future availability assured. 5.3.2 Spectrum Allocation Radio spectrum is a finite resource that requires coordination with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and is subject to both international and domestic regulation. SBSP transmissions from GEO may cause interference with other systems, especially those operating LEO. Uncertainties remain about what frequencies a future commercial-scale SBSP system will operate in and what technologies will be available to allocate popular frequency ranges to SBSP operations. There are additional concerns about the warehousing of, and competing interests in, radio frequencies. Research is required to better understand how SBSP transmissions might affect other satellites, particularly those operating in lower orbits. 5.3.3 Orbital Slot Allocation The ITU also allocates orbital positions for GEO satellites. Just like spectrum, orbital slots are increasingly contested (Gangestad, 2017). Coordination is required, necessitating prior planning to secure orbital slots for SBSP missions. The larger the SBSP system, the greater the challenge. 5.3.4 Security While not unique to SBSP systems, security concerns will have to be addressed. Space systems and critical infrastructure like power plants have security requirements, and an SBSP system would need to consider all of these risks. Cybersecurity may be of particular concern for highly autonomous and distributed systems.
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