SMCI62-110 — Space Debris Mitigation Management

SMCI62-110 governs space debris mitigation management, including compliance, lifecycle assessment, design, operation, disposal, and risk analysis.

Search SMCI62-110

  • Publication number: SMCI62-110
  • Title: Space Debris Mitigation Management
  • Date: 2019-02-08

View SMCI62-110 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication addresses national space debris policy, program roles, assessment documents, and mitigation throughout the acquisition life cycle. It requires full compliance, risk analysis, end-of-life planning, and documented treatment of noncompliance.

Applies to: SMC programs and projects must also comply with Air Force Instruction (AFI) 91-217, Space Safety and Mishap Prevention Program, which is more specific than the NSP and DoD requirements.

Topics covered

  • Space debris mitigation
  • Orbital debris requirements
  • Space debris risk analysis
  • End-of-life disposal
  • Space Debris Assessment Reports
  • Space debris compliance
  • Reentry risk

Questions and answers

When must space debris mitigation management be included in system development?

Space debris mitigation management shall be an integral part of the design as well as the review processes defined in SMC Standard 21 (SMC-S021), Technical Reviews and Audits for Systems Equipment and Computer Software. (paragraph 1)

Who approves a decision to deviate from space debris compliance requirements?

Any decision to deviate from compliance requirements shall be recommended by the PM and/or Program Director and made by the SMC/CC (AFPEO/SP) based on an assessment of the scope, magnitude, risk/benefit and impact of the space debris hazard through the asset’s end-of-life disposal. (paragraph 1)

What must program managers plan for across the mission life cycle?

Debris mitigation shall be addressed in a life cycle approach that covers concept development, system design, mission design, launch, testing, operations, disposal, reentry and recovery, as applicable. (paragraph 91-217)

What must be included in launch vehicle and space vehicle debris reports?

A summary of the analysis and documentation of the magnitude of noncompliance and the rationale for noncompliance shall be included in the LV Space Debris Assessment Report (SDAR) and SV combined SDAR and End of Life Plan (SDAR/EOLP) in accordance with the content and format specified in AFI 91-217. (paragraph 1)

What documentation is required before launch for noncompliance?

As part of normal program execution, documentation of risk acceptance for AFI 91-217 noncompliances and EtP approvals for NSP noncompliances shall be included with the SDAR/EOLP pre-launch package. (paragraph 91-217)

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