As potências mundiais no espaço exterior: o lixo espacial produzido durante a Primeira Era Espacial (1957-1991)

Abstract

The general objective of this research is to explain how Outer Space has become an environment of interest to the main powers of the Second Half of the 20th Century and the consequences and responsibilities related to space debris. For this, the research addresses the creation of the International Space Law and the main risks arising from the production of space debris by the powers with technology for launching spacecraft and satellites into space. The methodology used was the secondary bibliographic review and the main authors who contributed to the development of the work were Saraiva (2007), Monserrat-Filho (2018) and Magalhães (2015). At the end of the research, it was concluded that although it was initiated in the context of a possible nuclear war, the First Space Age was a major milestone for humanity, enabling increased international cooperation between nations for both the peaceful use of outer space and the regulation of space debris. In addition, it was understood that the risk posed by space debris in Earth’s orbit can compromise several space missions, as well as the operation of satellites, in addition to causing damage to the Earth’s environment and human life.