China

Policy

2010

2010 — The First Formal National Regulatory Recognition

1) Interim Administrative Measures

In 2010, China took its first formal steps toward regulating space debris mitigation through the issuance of the Interim Measures for Space Debris Mitigation and Spacecraft Protection by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND). This marked the country’s initial attempt to integrate space debris considerations into national space policy.

The Measures required all spacecraft designers, manufacturers, and launch project proponents to account for debris mitigation at every stage of mission planning and execution.

Compliance with these Measures became a prerequisite for receiving approval under China’s national launch licensing system, effectively tying administrative oversight directly to operational authorization.

Specific considerations included end-of-life spacecraft disposal, avoidance of debris-generating collisions, and minimizing accidental debris release during normal operations.

2) Early Regulatory Character

It is important to note that the 2010 Measures were not formal laws passed by the National People’s Congress. Rather, they were department-level administrative rules, a common regulatory approach in China for emerging or technically complex fields.

As an administrative instrument, the Measures primarily provided guidance and procedural requirements rather than establishing legally binding penalties.

They delineated the responsibilities of national authorities, particularly SASTIND and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), in coordinating debris mitigation efforts.

Oversight activities defined in the Measures included:
- Approving launch projects based on adherence to mitigation requirements.
- Ensuring post-mission disposal and de-orbit procedures were planned and executed.
Reviewing spacecraft designs for compliance with debris mitigation standards.

3) Basis in International Norms

China’s 2010 framework explicitly referenced international best practices, demonstrating an early effort to align domestic regulation with global norms.

The Measures were influenced by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) Guidelines, which outline technical and operational measures to reduce debris creation.

They also anticipated the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines, signaling China’s intention to harmonize with multilateral standards.

Despite this alignment, implementation was administrative rather than statutory, reflecting a cautious, iterative approach to formalizing debris regulation while the domestic space sector was still developing.

2011-2012

2011–2012: Continuation & Implementation

During 2011–2012, China’s approach to space debris management focused primarily on consolidating regulatory frameworks and ensuring practical implementation of mitigation measures across its rapidly expanding space activities. Key developments included:

Interim Measures as Core Regulatory Tool
- These measures continued to set baseline requirements for satellite design, orbital selection, and end-of-life disposal, emphasizing long-term sustainability of China’s space operations.
- Regulatory attention was increasingly on operational compliance, particularly as the frequency of launches grew and the potential for orbital congestion became more apparent.
The Interim Measures on the Administration of Space Debris Mitigation remained the central instrument guiding national policy.

Integration into Launch Licensing Procedures
- Implementation efforts focused on embedding debris mitigation considerations directly into launch licensing.
- Licensing authorities required operators to demonstrate adherence to orbital debris mitigation standards, including:
  - Selection of orbits that minimize collision risk with existing satellites.
  - Design features enabling post-mission disposal, such as controlled deorbiting or transfer to graveyard orbits.
  - Measures to limit the release of mission-related debris, including spent stages and secondary payloads.

National Space Agency Risk Review Updates
- China’s space agencies revised internal risk assessment protocols to ensure mission proposals explicitly addressed debris reduction.
- Review processes evaluated technical and operational compliance, assessing whether proposed satellites and launch plans met mitigation guidelines.
- Emphasis was placed on:
  - Preventing long-lived debris generation.
  - Accounting for potential cascade effects in congested orbital regions.
  - Incorporating best practices from international guidance, while adapting them to national programs and launch profiles.

Strategic Outcomes and Operational Focus
- While largely procedural, these updates signaled China’s intent to move beyond planning toward enforceable operational oversight.
- The focus on embedding debris mitigation in licensing helped standardize expectations for domestic satellite operators, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive regulatory development in subsequent years.

2013-2014

2013–2014: Academic & Institutional Attention

During 2013–2014, academic institutions and early collaborative networks began playing a more formalized role in the technical underpinnings of space debris monitoring and regulation. This period marked the transition from largely conceptual discussions about orbital debris to concrete technical support mechanisms that could inform both national and international policy.

Technical Foundations for Regulatory Support:
Universities and research consortia contributed to the development of tracking and cataloging systems that provided actionable data for regulatory bodies. These efforts included:
- Refining radar and optical observation methods to detect and monitor small and medium-sized debris.
- Establishing databases capable of correlating objects’ orbital paths with potential collision risks.
- Creating modeling and simulation tools to assess the long-term evolution of debris fields, which could guide both mitigation strategies and liability assessments.

Emergence of a “National Team” Approach:
Countries with growing space activities, including the United States and select European and Asian states, began forming dedicated teams that bridged academic research with governmental oversight. These teams focused on:
- Providing early warning capabilities for potential satellite collisions.
- Generating evidence-based assessments to support compliance with existing guidelines, such as those recommended by the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
- Advising national space agencies on debris mitigation strategies informed by the latest scientific observations.

International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
China actively contributed to the international discourse during COPUOS meetings, presenting research on:
- The development of national standards for debris mitigation.
- Monitoring frameworks that could integrate with global tracking networks.
- Data-driven approaches to inform potential regulatory or policy updates at an international level.

Although no new binding regulations emerged directly from these efforts, the period was critical in establishing foundational infrastructure—from observational data networks to analytical frameworks—that underpinned both the enforcement of existing guidelines and the drafting of future space debris policies. These initiatives laid the groundwork for a more structured, scientifically informed approach to orbital debris management that combined technical expertise with regulatory oversight.

2015

2015 — Formalization & the First Technical Management Plan

1) Space Debris Action Plan & Temporary Administrative Regulation

In March 2015, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) formally disclosed the establishment of its “Space Debris Action Plan”, marking a significant milestone in China’s efforts to institutionalize space debris management.

The plan introduced a dedicated Space Debris Coordination and Expert Group, tasked with overseeing mitigation measures, regulatory compliance, and protective initiatives across the Chinese space sector. This step represented the first structured approach to integrating technical, operational, and administrative aspects of debris management under a centralized governance framework.

Alongside this, CNSA implemented the 2015 Space Debris Mitigation and Protection Temporary Administrative Measures, building upon the 2010 Interim Measures. The 2015 measures were broader in scope, emphasizing:

Enhanced monitoring of orbital debris to track and predict collision risks.

Early warning systems for potential debris events, including uncontrolled re-entries or conjunctions.
Operational mitigation requirements for satellite operators and launch service providers, including post-mission disposal and other debris reduction practices.

This iteration of the administrative framework effectively marked China’s transition from high-level policy guidance to actionable regulatory oversight, providing a clearer path for compliance verification and accountability.

2) Debris Monitoring & Establishment of a National “Technical Team”

To support the new regulatory framework, China inaugurated its first dedicated Space Debris Monitoring and Application Center under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2015. The Center was designed as both a scientific and regulatory support entity, with responsibilities spanning:

Real-time orbital tracking and cataloging of space objects, including defunct satellites and upper stages.
Collision risk assessment to inform operators of potential conjunctions.
Compliance verification, confirming that responsible entities undertook prescribed mitigation measures such as collision avoidance maneuvers and controlled de-orbiting.
Data integration to support both CNSA’s internal decision-making and international reporting obligations.

By centralizing debris monitoring under a specialized technical team, China formalized a data-driven approach to space safety, linking scientific observation directly with regulatory enforcement.

3) Shift Toward Enforcement and Accountability

The 2015 regulatory framework emphasized operational responsibility and marked a clear move from voluntary guidelines to enforceable obligations. Key provisions included:

Passivation of rocket stages post-mission, requiring operators to eliminate stored energy sources such as residual propellants or batteries to reduce explosion risks.
Debris mitigation strategy review during satellite licensing and government funding approvals, integrating compliance into the earliest stages of mission planning.
Emergency response mechanisms for debris events, including procedures for re-entries, fragmentation events, or potential collisions with active satellites.
Regular verification of compliance, obligating operators to submit post-mission reports and enabling CNSA to audit adherence to mitigation requirements.

These measures collectively signaled a regulatory maturation, establishing accountability structures for both technical operations and administrative oversight. This formalization laid the foundation for subsequent refinements in China’s space debris governance, integrating monitoring, risk assessment, and operational mitigation into a coherent, enforceable system.

2016-2017

2016–2017 — Standardization Process Accelerates

National Standard Development

During 2016 and 2017, China undertook formal technical standardization for space debris, marking a significant regulatory milestone. Previously, space debris mitigation guidance in China had been largely advisory, relying on administrative recommendations.

By creating enforceable technical standards, Chinese regulators established a framework that could be referenced in law, licensing, and operational approvals, providing tangible mechanisms for compliance and accountability.

The development of a national standard system encompassed several critical areas: terminology standardization to unify technical language, establishment of mitigation criteria for minimizing debris creation, development of collision warning technical requirements, and models for orbit lifetime estimation. These elements collectively provided a structured, technical foundation for safe and sustainable space operations within China’s rapidly expanding space program.

Global Trends and China’s Policy Context

China’s standardization efforts were influenced by broader international developments. Regulators studied global normative frameworks such as ISO 24113, which sets international standards for space debris mitigation, and the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) mitigation guidelines.

These international models provided benchmarks for operational safety, risk reduction, and lifecycle management of spacecraft.

Adapting these frameworks to China’s domestic regulatory environment allowed policymakers to balance international alignment with national operational priorities.

This period represented a conscious shift from informal guidance toward formalized, enforceable rules that could shape engineering practices and mission planning across Chinese space missions.

2017 — GB/T 34513-2017: First Key National Technical Standard

Adoption of GB/T 34513-2017

On November 1, 2017, China formally adopted GB/T 34513-2017, titled Space Debris Mitigation Requirements. This standard officially entered into force on May 1, 2018. It represented China’s first comprehensive, mission-lifecycle approach to space debris mitigation, covering all phases of space missions. The standard applied not only to satellites and launch vehicle upper stages but also to deployable components and any objects released during mission operations, ensuring broad applicability across China’s space activities.

Significance of GB/T 34513-2017

GB/T 34513-2017 operationalized internationally recognized principles, such as the 25-year post-mission orbit clearance guideline widely used in low Earth orbit. By converting these principles into enforceable design, operational, and disposal requirements, the standard significantly elevated mitigation practices in China. It effectively moved debris management from advisory procedures to a regulated framework with legal and operational consequences. This development positioned China alongside other spacefaring nations in the establishment of credible, technically rigorous debris management practices.

Content and Scope of the Standard

The standard addressed multiple aspects of space debris management:

Prevention of debris generation during all phases of the mission.

Passivation and de-orbiting requirements to ensure inactive objects do not pose long-term hazards.

Technical requirements for collision avoidance, including risk assessment and operational planning.

Post-mission disposal strategies, including controlled reentry or transfer to disposal orbits.

Methods for orbit lifetime estimation and residence limitations, ensuring spacecraft do not persist in operational orbits beyond safe timeframes.

As the first technical standard of its kind in China, GB/T 34513-2017 represented a crucial link between engineering practice and government policy. It created a foundation for subsequent national standards, signaling China’s commitment to responsible, internationally aligned space operations.

2018-2019

2018–2019 — Enforcement & Implementation Focus

During 2018–2019, China shifted from establishing space debris mitigation standards to actively integrating them into regulatory and operational frameworks. This period was characterized by enforcement of existing standards, expansion of monitoring infrastructure, and the public reaffirmation of policy priorities.

1) Implementation of GB/T 34513-2017

National regulators, including the China National Space Administration (CNSA) alongside relevant ministries, formally integrated GB/T 34513-2017 into the review processes for both satellite and launch projects. Compliance with the standard became an explicit condition for project approval, signaling a move from voluntary adherence to de facto regulatory enforcement.

CNSA undertook efforts to expand debris risk monitoring and cataloguing infrastructure. This included enhanced tracking capabilities, improved data sharing among relevant agencies, and systematic assessment of orbital debris risks. Such initiatives not only facilitated compliance verification but also allowed for proactive mitigation planning during mission design and operational phases.

The standard’s implementation reinforced alignment between domestic operational practices and international debris mitigation norms, enhancing China’s credibility as a responsible space actor and ensuring that launches conformed to risk thresholds intended to reduce long-term orbital congestion.

2) White Papers and Policy Statements

The 2019 National Defense White Paper explicitly reaffirmed China’s commitment to space sustainability. It highlighted the importance of debris mitigation, space situational awareness, and the development of a regulatory and technical framework to support responsible space operations.

The White Paper emphasized international cooperation as a key component of China’s approach, signaling an intent to align with broader global norms on space traffic management and orbital debris mitigation.

While these documents are not legally binding, they play a critical role in shaping legislative priorities and directing resource allocation toward compliance, infrastructure development, and research initiatives. They also serve as public declarations of intent, helping to position China as a proactive participant in global space governance discussions.

By integrating policy signals with enforcement measures, 2018–2019 marked a period in which China combined normative guidance with operational oversight, effectively bridging strategic objectives with implementation mechanisms.

2020-2021

2020–2021 — Integration into Broader Space Governance

During 2020–2021, China’s approach to space governance increasingly emphasized the integration of debris mitigation within broader regulatory and operational frameworks. The country’s growing launch cadence and ambitions in both crewed and uncrewed space activities necessitated more sophisticated policies and technical measures to manage orbital congestion and reduce collision risks.

1) “China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective”

In January 2022, the State Council Information Office released its white paper, China’s Space Program: A 2021 Perspective, providing insights into China’s strategic and technical priorities in space sustainability. Key emphases included:

Strengthening space traffic management and debris monitoring systems, highlighting the need for more accurate tracking of both active satellites and defunct objects.

Improving debris databases and early warning capabilities, ensuring that operators could anticipate potential collisions and plan mitigation actions effectively.

Applying upper stage passivation across all Chinese launch vehicles to prevent accidental explosions from leftover propellant, a leading contributor to new debris generation.

Incorporating in-orbit maintenance strategies, such as potential servicing or repositioning of satellites, as a method to actively reduce collision risk and limit the long-term growth of orbital debris.

This white paper reflected a broader recognition that debris management is not solely a technical challenge but also a governance issue, requiring alignment across industry, regulatory bodies, and military oversight.

2) Licensing and Registration Enhancements

China also began embedding debris mitigation more explicitly into its licensing and registration frameworks. Civil launch projects were required to submit detailed debris mitigation plans as part of their approval process. These requirements included:

Disposal strategies for end-of-life satellites, including controlled deorbiting or transfer to graveyard orbits.

Orbit change and post-mission maneuver plans to prevent long-term collisions.

Documentation of measures taken to reduce debris generation during all mission phases.

By tying licensing and registration procedures to debris mitigation, China linked operational responsibility directly to regulatory oversight, creating a framework where compliance with debris reduction measures became a formal component of broader space governance.

2022-2023

2022–2023 — Standards Expansion & International Cooperation

Additional National Standards

In 2023, China approved and formally issued three new national standards related to space debris management. These standards significantly broaden the country’s technical baseline for debris control and space situational awareness. The new measures specifically address areas such as orbit determination accuracy, collision warning techniques, and standardized procedures for on-orbit risk assessment. According to an official statement presented by China to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, the standards aim to strengthen national capabilities for monitoring, tracking, and mitigating debris, while also aligning with global best practices for responsible space operations.

Harder Regulatory Enforcement

Alongside the release of technical standards, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) enhanced regulatory oversight for space activities. Notices issued in 2023 emphasized stricter licensing administration and clarified that all space missions must include robust debris mitigation plans. Post-mission disposal strategies, including controlled re-entry or safe disposal into designated orbits, became a formal requirement for mission approval. Licensing evaluations now rigorously assess both the technical feasibility of debris mitigation measures and the operational compliance of applicants, reflecting a move toward more enforceable and outcome-oriented regulatory practices.

International Engagement

China sustained active participation in international initiatives aimed at improving global space safety and long-term sustainability. Key areas of engagement include:

IADC Collaboration: China contributed to International Academy of Astronautics (IADC) working groups, focusing on the development and refinement of debris mitigation practices and data-sharing protocols. These efforts support international consistency in orbital safety standards.

UN COPUOS Involvement: Chinese representatives participated in debates at the UN COPUOS Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, contributing to discussions on debris guidelines and the Long-Term Sustainability (LTS) of space activities. Their involvement emphasized both technical expertise and policy perspectives in shaping global frameworks.

Regional Cooperation: At the regional level, China engaged in Asia–Pacific dialogues addressing space debris monitoring and situational awareness. These forums promote information exchange, collaborative tracking initiatives, and harmonized approaches to orbital traffic management, reflecting a growing emphasis on shared responsibilities for space safety in the region.

2024-2025

Draft Regulations on Orbital Management

During 2024–2025, China advanced efforts to formalize orbital management through comprehensive regulatory drafting. These regulations aim to embed debris mitigation obligations directly into the frameworks governing orbital access, coordination, and registration. Unlike previous guidance, which primarily relied on administrative recommendations, these regulations are positioned to establish legally enforceable requirements. This represents a significant shift toward a structured regulatory regime that can impose clear responsibilities on satellite operators and ensure compliance with orbital debris mitigation standards. The draft regulations also consider spectrum allocation, orbital slot coordination, and procedural compliance, reflecting a holistic approach to space traffic management.

National Standards and Technical Integration

China’s “Space Debris National Standard System” continued to expand, demonstrating a growing technical sophistication and formalization of debris mitigation processes. Key areas of focus include:

Pre-launch debris mitigation reviews: Assessment of satellite design, launch plans, and operational procedures to minimize debris generation before deployment.

Orbit lifetime assessments: Evaluation of orbital trajectories and mission lifespans to predict post-mission debris risk and ensure sustainable orbital use.

Collision warning technical frameworks: Development and refinement of automated and human-in-the-loop systems to detect potential conjunctions and prevent collisions.

Debris environment evolution modeling: Application of predictive models to understand debris accumulation trends, long-term orbital hazards, and implications for future satellite constellations.

This standardization effort integrates engineering, operational, and regulatory perspectives, creating a robust framework for both domestic and potentially international stakeholders.

Operational Policies

Chinese space regulators emphasized practical and enforceable operational measures, ensuring debris mitigation objectives are embedded throughout satellite lifecycles. The 2024–2025 period saw reinforcement of several core strategies:

De-orbiting and graveyard orbit strategies: Ensuring satellites are removed from operational orbits at end-of-life to prevent long-term collision risks.

Active collision avoidance in satellite operations: Mandating maneuver protocols and coordination mechanisms to reduce the probability of in-orbit collisions.

Post-mission disposal enforcement: Strengthening regulatory oversight to guarantee that satellite operators comply with disposal plans, including verification and reporting requirements.

Integration with national space traffic management: Linking debris mitigation objectives with broader efforts to modernize China’s national space traffic management system and align with potential future legislative measures.

These operational policies reflect a shift from reactive to proactive debris management, emphasizing accountability, enforcement, and integration into broader national space governance.

White Papers and Long-Term Sustainability

China’s policy discourse in this period also underscored long-term sustainability goals, reaffirming commitments to both domestic and international norms. Key points include:

Compliance with UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Aligning national policies with established global norms to reduce the generation and accumulation of space debris.

Adherence to Guidelines for Long-Term Sustainability (LTS): Incorporating multi-year planning and operational standards into national frameworks to maintain safe and sustainable orbital environments.

Expanded international cooperation: Promoting data sharing, technical assistance, and collaborative risk reduction efforts to support global space sustainability objectives.

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