NPD 8710-3, NASA POLICY LIMITING ORBITAL DEBRIS GENERATION (REVALIDATED 28 APR 2004)

NPD 8710-3, NASA POLICY LIMITING ORBITAL DEBRIS GENERATION (REVALIDATED 28 APR 2004)., It is NASA policy to limit the generation of orbital debris (OD), consistent with mission requirements and cost effectiveness (Requirement 6025). To accomplish this policy, NASA will -a. Conduct formal OD assessments in accordance with NSS 1740.14, Guidelines and Assessment Procedures for Limiting Orbital Debris, on each space program/project to determine its potential to generate OD during nominal operations (Requirement 6001). b. Design for safe disposal of spacecraft and launch vehicles at end of mission in accordance with NSS 1740.14, Guidelines and Assessment Procedures for Limiting Orbital Debris, and JSC-27862, Postmission Disposal of Upper Stages (Requirement 6026). c. Provide timely notification to, and coordination with, other appropriate government entities concerning the proposed reentry of NASA spacecraft or their rocket bodies from Earth orbit (Requirement 6027). d. Promote the adoption of international policies, standards, and practices to minimize OD and its associated risks, and the exchange of information on OD research, modeling, and mitigation techniques in the international community (Requirement 6028).