[SUBMITTED] Space Junk Is Bad

[Defwa]

As the Defwaen Federation prepares to feed the spirit of curiosity and enter space, we see challenges in the enterprise that we alone cannot solve and endeavor to utilize the combined strength of this assembly to aid in every nation's progress in space on our shared journey of discovery.

Debris Prevention
Environmental/Manufacturing

SEEKING to protect access to space for all nations

DISTRESSED by the rapidly increasing accumulation of debris in orbit

RECOGNIZING that prolonged accumulation of debris in orbit can impede space travel and orbital operations

RESOLVING to reduce the amount of debris in orbit

INSTRUCTS member nations to have systems in place to certify the compliance of objects planned to be launched into orbit with the guidelines of this resolution

REQUIRES member nations to take all action necessary to prevent the launch of objects from their territory into orbit that have not been certified as compliant with this resolution, allowing exceptions only when loss of life would occur as a result of such actions

In order to reduce the quantity of potentially harmful debris in orbit, all objects launched into space must have the following abilities and are required to take the following actions

A- To Deorbit in one of the following fashions prior to becoming nonfunctional:
1- Complete deterioration into non damaging remains during descent and prior to collision
2- Landing or collision in international waters, unclaimed undeveloped territory, or the territory of nations that consent to the collision or landing
3- Entering into a junk orbit assigned by WASP
4- Any method that removes the object from the vicinity of the body it previously orbited without harming other artificial objects in orbit

B- To Maneuver in order to avoid other objects in orbit in order to prevent damage of property

STATES that WASP will take into account the desires and needs of the relevant nations when assigning a junk orbit and will not contradict orbital classifications around a celestial body created by any entity representing, with consent of the governed, all nations on that body

CLARIFIES that this resolution will not impede or restrict the rights of nations to do battle in space so long as all damage done is part of a declared act of war against the owner of the object, the nation the object was launched from, or if the object services or benefits the enemy

Debris Removal
Social Justice / mild
SEEKING to protect access to space for all nations

RECOGNIZING that a sizeable quantity of debris is incapable of removing itself from orbit

TROUBLED by the lack of accountability for incidents in orbit

RESOLVING to reduce the amount of debris in orbit

DEFINES Debris as any artificial object in space that meets any of the following descriptions:
-has failed to comply with any World Assembly regulation governing the object deployed after said regulation was put in place
-has ceased to be operational or currently serves no purpose
-has no known owner
-poses a danger to objects in orbit that are in compliance with all relevant regulation
-poses a danger to developed territory on a celestial body

GUIDES the World Assembly Science Program [WASP] to begin contracting out all duties of rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris to entities within the World Assembly in the event no other entity has initiated actions to do so

I- Removal
A- Debris shall be subject to unwarned removal at the determination of WASP
B- Debris will be deorbit in a fashion that avoids damage to other artificial objects in space and the developed surface of any celestial body
C- Destruction of debris will be used as a last resort if deorbiting cannot be performed and must be done in a fashion that minimizes additional debris

II- Rescue
A- Rescue of occupants or repair of debris will be attempted prior to removal or destruction if it is believed that sapient life is present on the debris or at the request of the owner or occupants

III- Reparations
A- Should debris cause damage to the property of others or to developed territory, WASP shall determine reparations to be paid for the full value of the damage and a portion of the cost of replacement as well as for personal injury and loss of life to be paid to all relevant victims by the debris’ owner
B- Fines will be assessed to pay for all costs of rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris incurred by WASP during its duties to be paid by the debris’ owner

REQUIRES member nations to take all action necessary to prevent the launch of objects into orbit from their territory by entities that have failed to pay fines and reparations charged to them

ALLOWS salvage of any object considered debris without recourse in accordance with WA law

In its operation WASP will:
1- cease to act under this resolution to protect the property of individuals and entities that fail to pay fines and reparations charged to them or objects launched from the territory of nations that have failed to pay
2- hold nations financially and legally accountable for unpaid fines and reparations incurred by objects launched from their territory
3- not interfere with any declared acts of war in its efforts to eliminate harmful debris nor will it assess fines or reparations
4- consider requests for rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris by nonmember nations as long as costs are prepaid and said nation is in compliance with all World Assembly legislation they are reasonably capable of complying with
5- deny service to any member nation not in full compliance with all World Assembly legislation

Future unwritten proposal topics for which input welcome:
Orbital territory claims
Natural debris management
Debris tracking

[Defwa]

Draft 1

Kessler Syndrome Prevention

Category: Environmental
Industry: All Businesses

DISTRESSED by the threat of Kessler Syndrome in which the addition of debris in orbit occurs faster than said debris naturally deorbits

RECOGNIZING that prolonged accumulation of debris in orbit can impede space travel and orbital operations

RESOLVING to reduce the amount of debris in orbit

Article – Objects in Orbit

Objects in orbit must be capable of completing more than one revolution around a celestial body without propulsion and performing maneuvers to avoid collision or the object shall be considered debris.

Article – Deorbiting Protocol

Objects in orbit must be capable of deorbiting in a controlled fashion, moving completely into a graveyard orbit, or otherwise removing themselves in a fashion that does not endanger other objects in orbit that are not considered as debris or the object shall be considered debris.

Deorbiting of objects must be done in a fashion that does not damage populated or developed areas or impact the territory of another nation without permission.

Article – Debris

Debris that contains no life forms shall be subject to unwarned removal.

Rescue or repair will be attempted prior to removal of debris if the debris contains a life form or at the request of the owner of the debris.

Debris that poses immediate danger to objects in compliance with this resolution or are likely to damage populated or developed areas on the surface of a celestial body are subject to unwarned destruction.

Debris shall be open to salvage by any party without recourse.

Article – [COMMITTEE]

Forms [Committee].

[Committee] shall have the duty of determining if an object is in orbit, the ownership and thus responsibility for an ownership, and the compliance of objects in orbit if such things are disputed.

[Committee] shall specify a graveyard orbit in the event that complete deorbiting proves too difficult.

[Committee] shall track all objects in orbit around any celestial body with a World Assembly presence and maintain open records of the objects origins, owner, functional status, and course.

[Committee] shall contract out all duties of rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris to other parties within the World Assembly in the event that the object in orbit poses a danger to others.

[Committee] shall fine the owner of debris for any costs related to the rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of their property in orbit as well as for any damages caused by their failure to comply with this resolution. Funds obtained in this fashion will be used to compensate victims of damages and pay for costs incurred by [Committee].

Article – Exceptions and Modifications

Objects in orbit prior to the passage of this resolution are excused from its provisions until the objects cease to be operational or when they pose a danger to objects in orbit that are in compliance with this resolution at which point the non-complying object will be considered debris.

Objects in orbit manufactured and placed in orbit by parties not in the World Assembly shall be immune to the provisions of this resolution unless the object poses a danger to a complying object in orbit at which point the non-complying object will be considered debris and the owner of the debris will not be fined unless they opt for future interaction with [Committee] of their own will.

If the owner of objects in orbit cannot be determined, ownership shall fall to the nation from which the object was launched. If the source of the launch cannot be determined, the object shall be considered debris.

Damage done by objects in orbit shall not be fined if the damage was done as a declared act of war against the victim.

Original

Draft Two

Category: Environmental
Industry: All Businesses

DISTRESSED by the threat of Kessler Syndrome in which the addition of debris in orbit occurs faster than said debris naturally deorbits

RECOGNIZING that prolonged accumulation of debris in orbit can impede space travel and orbital operations

RESOLVING to reduce the amount of debris in orbit

PROVIDES the following for all World Assembly member nations, entities, and citizens operating in orbit:

Article – Objects in Orbit [OiOs]

OiOs must be capable of completing more than one revolution around a celestial body without propulsion and performing maneuvers to avoid collision or the OiO shall be considered debris.

The launch of objects into orbit must be done in a fashion that minimizes potential debris.

Creating debris with the intent of disrupting orbital operations is strictly prohibited.

Article – Deorbiting Protocol

OiOs must be capable of deorbiting in a controlled fashion, moving completely into a graveyard orbit, or otherwise removing themselves in a fashion that does not endanger other OiOs that are not considered as debris or the OiO shall be considered debris.

Deorbiting of OiOs must be done in a fashion that does not damage populated or developed areas or impact the territory of another nation without permission.

Article – Debris

Debris that contains no life forms shall be subject to unwarned removal.

Debris that poses immediate danger to OiOs in compliance with this resolution or are likely to damage populated or developed areas on the surface of a celestial body are subject to unwarned destruction.

Debris shall be open to salvage by any party without recourse.

Article - Rescue

Repair of debris or rescue of occupants will be attempted prior to destruction or removal or destruction of debris if it is believed that sapient life is present on the debris or at the request of the owner of the debris.

OiOs with the capability to conduct rescue operations without impeding their own ability to safely return home or resupply are required to do so when the debris is believed to contain sapient life.

Article – Starfleet

Forms Starfleet.

Starfleet shall have the duty of determining if an object is in orbit, the ownership and thus responsibility for an ownership, and the compliance of OiOs if such things are disputed.

Starfleet shall specify a graveyard orbit in the event that complete deorbiting proves too difficult.

Starfleet shall track all detectable OiOs around any celestial body with a World Assembly presence and maintain open records of the OiOs origins, owner, functional status, and course when available.

Starfleet shall contract out all duties of rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris to other parties within the World Assembly in the event that the OiO poses a danger to others.

Starfleet shall fine the owner of debris for any costs related to the rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of their property in orbit as well as for any damages caused by their failure to comply with this resolution. Funds obtained in this fashion will be used to compensate victims of damages and pay for costs incurred by Starfleet.

Article – Exceptions and Modifications

OiOs positioned prior to the passage of this resolution are excused from its provisions until the objects cease to be operational or when they pose a danger to OiOs that are in compliance with this resolution at which point the non-complying OiO will be considered debris.

OiOs manufactured and placed in orbit by parties not in the World Assembly shall be immune to the provisions of this resolution unless the object poses a danger to a complying object in orbit at which point the non-complying object will be considered debris and the owner of the debris will not be fined unless they opt for future interaction with Starfleet of their own will.

If the owner of an OiO cannot be determined, ownership shall fall to the nation from which the object was launched. If the source of the launch cannot be determined, the object shall be considered debris.

Damage done by OiOs shall not be fined if the damage was done as a declared act of war against the victim.

Added "PROVIDING" preamble clause. Added to "Article - Objects in Orbit" restrictions to addition of debris. Added "Article - Rescue" and removed reference to rescue from "Article - Deorbiting Procedure". Renamed [Committee] "Starfleet" for no reason. Changed all instances of "Object in Orbit" and "object" to OiO.

Draft Two (and a half)

DISTRESSED by the addition of debris into orbit potentially occurring faster than debris naturally deorbits

RECOGNIZING that prolonged accumulation of debris in orbit can impede space travel and orbital operations

RESOLVING to reduce the amount of debris in orbit

PROVIDES the following for all World Assembly member nations, entities, and citizens operating in orbit:

I – Artificial Objects in Orbit [OiOs]

OiOs must be able to complete more than one revolution around a celestial body without propulsion and perform maneuvers to avoid collision

Launch of objects into orbit must be done in a fashion that minimizes potential debris

Creating debris with the intent of disrupting orbital operations is strictly prohibited

II – Deorbiting Protocol

OiOs must be capable of deorbiting in a controlled fashion, moving completely into a graveyard orbit, or otherwise removing themselves in a way that does not endanger other non-debris OiOs

Deorbiting of OiOs must be done in a way that does not damage developed areas or impact the territory of another nation without permission

III – Debris

OiOs not in compliance with Articles I or II will be considered debris

Debris shall be subject to unwarned removal

Debris that poses immediate danger to OiOs in compliance with this resolution or are likely to damage developed areas on a celestial body are subject to unwarned destruction

Debris shall be open to salvage by any party without recourse

IV - Rescue

Repair of debris or rescue of occupants will be attempted prior to removal of debris if it is believed that sapient life is present on the debris or at the request of the owner of the debris

OiOs with the capability to conduct rescue operations without impeding their own ability to safely return home or resupply are required to do so when the debris is believed to contain sapient life

V – Starfleet

Forms Starfleet, responsible for:

Determining if an object is in orbit, the ownership and thus responsibility for an ownership, and the compliance of OiOs if such things are disputed

Specifying a graveyard orbit if complete deorbiting is too difficult

Tracking all detectable OiOs around any celestial body with a World Assembly presence and maintain open records of the OiOs origins, owner, functional status, and course when available

Contracting out all duties of rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris to parties within the World Assembly in the event that the debris poses a danger to OiOs

Fining the owner of debris for any costs related to the rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of their property as well as for any damages caused by their property. Funds obtained in this fashion will be used to compensate victims of damages and pay for costs incurred by Starfleet

VI – Additional

OiOs manufactured and placed in orbit prior to the passage of this resolution or by parties not in the World Assembly shall be immune to the provisions of this resolution unless the OiO poses a danger to a complying OiO at which point the non-complying OiO will be considered debris. The owner of the debris will not be fined

If the owner of an OiO cannot be determined, ownership shall fall to the nation from which the object was launched. If the source of the launch cannot be determined, the object shall be considered debris

Damage done by OiOs shall not be fined or restricted by this resolution if the damage was done as a declared act of war against the victim

Removed references to "Kessler Syndrome". Changed Article headers to their respective numbers. Specified that OiOs are strictly artificial bodies. Moved "debris" specification. Removed reference to "populated areas" as "developed areas" made the term redundant. Removed reference to "life forms" from Article - Debris. Modified "V - Starfleet" to eliminate repetition of "starfleet" in all clauses. Changed title of "Artilcle - Exceptions and Modifications" to "VI - Additional". Combined sections one and two from "VI - Additional" into one.

Draft Three

DISTRESSED by the addition of debris into orbit potentially occurring faster than debris naturally deorbits

RECOGNIZING that prolonged accumulation of debris in orbit can impede space travel and orbital operations

RESOLVING to reduce the amount of debris in orbit

PROVIDES the following for all World Assembly member nations, entities, and citizens operating in orbit:

I – Artificial Objects in Orbit [OiOs]

OiOs must be able to complete more than one revolution around a celestial body without propulsion

OiOs must be capable of performing maneuvers to avoid collision

Launch of objects into orbit must be done in a fashion that minimizes accidental debris

II – Deorbiting Protocol

OiOs must be capable of deorbiting in a controlled fashion, moving completely into a graveyard orbit, or otherwise removing themselves in a way that does not endanger other non-debris OiOs

Deorbiting of OiOs must be done in a way that does not damage developed areas or impact the territory of another nation without permission

III – Debris

OiOs not in compliance with Articles I or II will be considered debris

Debris shall be subject to unwarned removal

Debris that poses immediate danger to OiOs in compliance with this resolution or are likely to damage developed areas on a celestial body are subject to unwarned destruction

Debris shall be open to salvage by any party without recourse

IV - Rescue

Repair of debris or rescue of occupants will be attempted prior to removal of debris if it is believed that sapient life is present on the debris or at the request of the owner of the debris

OiOs with the capability to conduct rescue operations without impeding their own ability to safely return home or resupply are required to do so when the debris is believed to contain sapient life

V – World Assembly Scientific Program [WASP]

Gives WASP the following duties:

Determining if an object is in orbit, the ownership and thus responsibility for an OiO, and the compliance of OiOs if such things are disputed

Specifying a graveyard orbit if complete deorbiting is too difficult

Contracting out all duties of rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of debris to parties within the World Assembly in the event that the debris poses a danger to OiOs

Fining the owner of debris for any costs related to the rescue, repair, removal, and destruction of their debris as well as for any damages caused by the debris in order to cover expenses and fund WASP operations

Tracking all detectable OiOs around any celestial body with a World Assembly presence and maintain records of the OiOs origins, owner, functional status, and course when available and providing that data when requested by member nations

VI – Additional

OiOs manufactured and placed in orbit prior to the passage of this resolution or by parties not in the World Assembly shall not be fined under this resolution

If the owner of an OiO cannot be determined, ownership shall fall to the nation from which the object was launched. If the source of the launch cannot be determined, the object shall be considered debris

Damage done by OiOs shall not be fined or restricted by this resolution if the damage was done as a declared act of war against the victim however damage to unintended targets will be fined

Member nations are required to block any attempts to launch objects into orbit from within their territory if the party attempting launch has outstanding fines owed to WASP.

Nations that fail to effectively aid WASP in collection of fines will not receive OiO data from WASP nor will OiOs launched from their territory receive any assistance I collision avoidance.

Separated "Article I" Requirements for OiOs for clarity. Changed name of "Starfleet" to WASP. Shortened "Article V" section 6. Shortened "Article VI" section 1 to eliminate redundancy. Minor clarification to "Article VI" section 3 to ensure military activity is not restricted indiscriminately. Removed line regarding intentional debris. Moved Article V "Tracking" to be after "Fining". Added clauses pertaining to enforcement and withholding of services.

[The Dark Star Republic]

OOC: Why can't this be classified under Manufacturing? It's only really one specific industry - manufacturing satellites - that it affects.

For the committee, I will repeat my previous suggestion that one of these resolutions simply establish the WA Space Council (WASC), which can then be used by all space resolutions.

I like the general idea otherwise, and will have the Vice-Colonel deliver some comments in due course.

[Point Breeze]

Please explain the Kessler Syndrome in the preamble for those nations that are unaware. That's all I have for the moment, best of luck!

[Chester Pearson]

Once again, we have another hot-button issue that the WA MUST legislate upon....

Give me a break.

[Sciongrad]

Once again, we have another hot-button issue that the WA MUST legislate upon....

Give me a break.

OOC: Is this really a hot-button issue?

[Defwa]

Is it sufficiently clear that [Committee] isn't required to respond and remove everything the moment it becomes called debris? I wanted the determination as to when these things were to happen left to gnomes.

OOC: Why can't this be classified under Manufacturing? It's only really one specific industry - manufacturing satellites - that it affects.

For the committee, I will repeat my previous suggestion that one of these resolutions simply establish the WA Space Council (WASC), which can then be used by all space resolutions.

I like the general idea otherwise, and will have the Vice-Colonel deliver some comments in due course.

OOC: I'll leave that open. The problem is it could be considered to effect anyone that uses satellites like communications or surveillance companies. Utilizing a WASC would be desirable. I'll keep it under advisement.

Once again, we have another hot-button issue that the WA MUST legislate upon....

Give me a break.

"Can we get the camera," she says, pointing at here eyes,"For the screen?" pointing to the large screen for he ambassadors in the back. "Great, thanks."

"For your pleasure, Chesty, one of my masterpiece eye rolls."
Behind her, with eyes three meters wide, her eyes roll upward and then slowly- painfully parabolically across her upper eye lids until the utter force causes her head to fall to the side as well. The whole affair takes about a minute.

"Chesty, darling, the problem of waste in space is well documented. Problems of liability and responsibility have not been sufficiently established. Space is so large that many can shirk all responsibility- many are understandably motivated to cut down on costs by leaving out complex reaction control systems and deorbitting fuel. It is a clear international issue."

Please explain the Kessler Syndrome in the preamble for those nations that are unaware. That's all I have for the moment, best of luck!

"DISTRESSED by the threat of Kessler Syndrome in which the addition of debris in orbit occurs faster than said debris naturally deorbits"
The mention of Kessler Syndrome may be removed anyway because this resolution is a little less concerned with cleaning up space than it is actively defending functioning satellites.

[The Eternal Kawaii]

Once again, we have another hot-button issue that the WA MUST legislate upon....

Give me a break.

We're as opposed to WA meddling in national affairs as the next NatSov, but certainly you would agree that keeping the heavens above Earth clear of debris that could prevent future generations from traveling to space is, in fact, an international issue? Really, it's hard to get more international than this.

[Separatist Peoples]

"Opposed! That shield of debris is blocking copious amounts of harmful energy that could deplete our ozone layer! And it may be the only tactical factor that protects us from widespread invasion by rather vulnerable invasion landing craft! THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!...

"...In all seriousness, this isn't bad at all. I could support this. I'll save a detailed review for later, though."

[Elke and Elba]

OOC: If only people had the same drive for issues like ovarian cancer (which is fully preventable)...

[Araraukar]

THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!...

You do know that according to the Rules of Common Annoyance, article 17, I now have to set you on fire for using that expression, right?

OOC: If only people had the same drive for issues like ovarian cancer (which is fully preventable)...

OOC: Preventable? Ovarian cancer? You sure you're not thinking of HPV and cervical cancer?

EDIT note: Code hates me.

[Lexicor]

THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!...

You do know that according to the Rules of Common Annoyance, article 17, I now have to set you on fire for using that expression, right?

OOC: If only people had the same drive for issues like ovarian cancer (which is fully preventable)...

OOC: Preventable? Ovarian cancer? You sure you're not thinking of HPV and cervical cancer?

Legalize Pyromania!

[Araraukar]

Legalize Pyromania!

According to WA it's legal already, as there's no resolution banning it - how else would they let me use my flamethrower¹ on all the crappy proposals without the ACME Weapons Nullifier making it into a waterpistol?

¹OOC: Ambassador Janis's flamethrower is a well-established RP tool, she hasn't actually ever used it on a fellow ambassador. As far as anyone knows. *shifty eyes*

[Normlpeople]

¹OOC: Ambassador Janis's flamethrower is a well-established RP tool, she hasn't actually ever used it on a fellow ambassador. As far as anyone knows. *shifty eyes*

OOC: I'd imagine the use on the local plantlife is also unknown...

[Araraukar]

¹OOC: Ambassador Janis's flamethrower is a well-established RP tool, she hasn't actually ever used it on a fellow ambassador. As far as anyone knows. *shifty eyes*

OOC: I'd imagine the use on the local plantlife is also unknown...

OOC: Well, she hasn't "mysteriously" disappeared yet, so I don't think she's torched any of the PPU sapients.

[Nulono]

What, exactly, constitutes a "life form" for the purposes of this proposal?

[Defwa]

What, exactly, constitutes a "life form" for the purposes of this proposal?

Hm, that is a term that could use work. The intent is to include non sapient life like chimps- maybe some plants. I'm about to publish a new draft and I'll work on the phrasing there so the removal of debris isn't disturbed by bacteria from that spot the engineer sneezed on.

[Defwa]

OOC: I'm writing out the specifics of the new draft now but I'm on mobile at work and in no condition to edit the main post. A couple problems, though.

The life form problem will be resolved by a separate section for rescue.
A couple more clauses stating what nations must do or cannot do will be added namely around requirement to attempt assistance if possible and banning intentional debris spreading.

I'm trying to rewrite the preamble but it keeps sliding more into safety than environment and that means there's not a category for it so I'm still working on that.
I'm still looking for options for the committee. Puns to the front if the line.
I may need a better generic term. Object in orbit works for most things I think, but a more condensed word would be helpful. Also a term that hints that the object in orbit is an extension of a crew- something other than Vessel or Ship because that doesn't sound right. At the very least, I may shorten it to OiO

[Omigodtheykilledkenny]

Has someone already brought up that "Kessler" might be an RL violation?

[Mundiferrum]

Has someone already brought up that "Kessler" might be an RL violation?

If the nation defines what the Kessler Syndrome is within the resolution, it might not be one.

[Defwa]

Has someone already brought up that "Kessler" might be an RL violation?

OOC: That's a good question. Is Marxism? Or the Higgs-boson?

Not really glued to the title. I just found out it would spell out KSP and jumped on it

[Chester Pearson]

Not really glued to the title. I just found out it would spell out KSP and jumped on it

What the hell does that have to do with anything?

[Defwa]

Not really glued to the title. I just found out it would spell out KSP and jumped on it

What the hell does that have to do with anything?

OOC: Kerbal Space Program also abbreviates to KSP and I am easily amused.

[Chester Pearson]

What the hell does that have to do with anything?

OOC: Kerbal Space Program also abbreviates to KSP and I am easily amused.

Still not getting it....

[Wrapper]

KSP? Is that, like, Kentucky Steamed Pork? Kan't Spell Properly? Kenny Sucks...

Ari devilishly smiles at the Secretariat.

Popsicles? Seriously, not getting the joke.