Planetary spacecraft debris - The case for protecting the space environment

In the early years of the Space Age spacecraft debris and spent rocket. sta ges were deposited on the surface of the Moon, ostensibly in the name of sp ace science. Although this was not considered 'pollution' then, as we look forward to further manned lunar missions and subsequent development, the st atus of the lunar surface and orbital environment should be of greater conc ern, not least with regard to the safety of future travellers. By extension , the effect of spacecraft impacts on the surfaces of other planetary bodie s and the formation of planetary orbital debris should be of similar concer n to the wider space community. In addition to a commentary on the origins and objectives of the Scientific -Legal Round Table of which this paper is a part, the paper presents an ini tial catalogue of spacecraft impacts on planetary bodies and the resulting debris that may still be found on their surfaces. It also considers the fut ure of scientific exploration and commercial exploitation of the planetary bodies and presents the case for protecting the space environment. In conclusion, the paper calls for the formation of an international consul tative study group, or similar body, to consider the issues relevant to 'Pr otection of the Space Environment' and to raise awareness of the subject am ong the growing body of space professionals and practitioners. (C) 2000 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.