Israel’s public policy on space debris management: Between technological capacity and political will

Abstract

Environmental awareness has grown in recent decades, focusing on green energy, waste reduction, and pollution control. Yet, environmental policy must also extend to outer space, where space debris including defunct satellites, rocket parts, and fragments - poses a serious threat to satellites, space missions, and orbital sustainability. Addressing this growing challenge requires coordinated international policy efforts. Israel, despite being a small country, has developed a highly advanced space program that contributes to orbital debris through frequent satellite launches. Originally rooted in national security needs, Israel's space program has expanded into commercial and academic sectors, fostering international cooperation. However, each launch leaves debris behind. Israel's unique westward launch trajectory, designed for regional security, results in longer orbital persistence of debris. The absence of deorbiting systems on many satellites, coupled with occasional malfunctions, further contributes to the problem. This study examines Israel's public policy on space debris management and compares it to international practices in countries such as the United States, Japan, and the European Union. Relying on official documents from space agencies including NASA, the UN, and the Israel Space Agency, the analysis identifies a gap between Israel's technological capabilities and its limited regulatory approach. The findings suggest that while Israel excels technologically, it lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for debris mitigation. The study recommends adopting stricter national regulations, advancing cleanup technologies, and enhancing international collaboration efforts crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Israel's space activities and its contribution to global space governance.