Combining data from 1957 to 2017 on collision risk, orbital debris, and satellite counts, researchers created a physical-economic model and found that imposing a tax on orbiting satellites could increase the value of the satellite industry from approximately $600 billion to approximately $3 trillion by 2040; the tax would increase the satellite industry's value by decreasing satellite collision risks and the amount of satellite space debris, according to the authors.
Article #19-21260: "Orbital-use fees could more than quadruple the value of the space industry," by Akhil Rao, Matthew G. Burgess, and Daniel Kaffine.
MEDIA CONTACT: Akhil Rao, Middlebury College, VT; tel: 802-443-2192; email: akhilr@middlebury.edu
###
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences