Abstract
Exploration of the space has reached a point in which there is a challenging question whether further space activities will be viable in the long term. That is mainly because of the growing number of space-debris that may detrimentally impact existing space infrastructure. This research paper concentrates on measures that can be taken in order to mitigate the problem of orbital debris. Firstly, the concept of space debris is investigated with regard to its sources, kinds and existing debrisremoval solutions. Within the academic framework, both the stakeholder theory and the concept of sustainable development are introduced. In turn, the connections between the theoretical concepts and numerous stakeholders within the space industry as well as the importance of sustainability in terms of space debris are proposed, based on the aforementioned theories. Subsequently, space-debris removal is presented as a method that can be adopted and executed by public private partnerships (PPP). To underline the feasibility of such PPPs, the approach of NASA towards PPPs is presented along with the case study of the Swiss PPP project on active debris removal (ADR). The research paper is concluded by indicating the magnitude of the efforts that have to be undertaken by various stakeholders in order to successfully implement ADR solutions through public-private partnerships.
