221
SPACE DEBRIS: A LAW AND ECONOMICS
ANALYSIS OF THE ORBITAL COMMONS
Alexander William Salter*
,
**
CITE AS: 19 STAN. TECH. L. REV. 221 (2016)
ABSTRACT
In this paper, I examine the problem of space debris using the tools of economics. The
difficulties posed by space debris resemble those typically associated with public goods and common
pool resources. Thus it is not surprising that a tragedy of the commons has resulted, in the form of
cluttered orbits. However, given the peculiar legal arrangements that characterize space in both
domestic and international law, solving this problem is not straightforward. I analyze the
difficulties that both private and public actors must overcome if the space debris problem is to be
solved. Although proposing a particular solution is beyond the scope of this paper, by addressing
the problem from an economic perspective, I clarify the costs that must be considered in order for
private and public actors to make informed decisions concerning space debris mitigation and
removal.
* Alexander William Salter, Assistant Professor of Economics, Rawls College of
Business, Texas Tech University. alexander.w.salter@ttu.edu
** Mercatus Working Paper, Mercatus Center at George Mason University, Arlington,
VA, September 2015
