Space debris removal funding in the presence of numerous large satellites constellation: a mean field game approach

Pierre Bernhard (), Marc Deschamps () and Alain Bensoussan ()
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Pierre Bernhard: MACBES Team, INRIA Center of Université Côte d’Azur, Sophia Antipolis, France
Marc Deschamps: Université Marie et Louis Pasteur, CRESE UR3190, F-25000 Besançon, France
Alain Bensoussan: University of Texas, Naveen Jindal School of Management, USA.

No 2026-06, Working Papers from CRESE

Abstract: Low Earth orbits (between 100 and 2,000 km above sea level) are currently the most congested regions of outer space. This congestion stems also from the presence of space debris, which, once it reaches a certain level, could trigger a chain reaction that would physically prevent the use of these orbits (i.e., the Kessler syndrome). The actual and planned deployment of numerous satellite mega-constellations significantly exacerbates this problem. In addition to minimizing the creation of new space debris, it has become necessary to remove some of the existing debris. To address the issue of funding these removals, we propose the creation of an international tax administered by an international agency. Given the current and future presence of a large number of mega-constellations, we propose a mean-field game model. We then compare two possible taxation systems: one proportional and the other one progressive. Within the framework of this model, we conclude that it is possible to finance the removal of the most dangerous space debris and thereby ensure a sustainable outer space without stopping the contributions and potential of the New Space economy.

Keywords: Mean-field game; linear-quadratic; outer space; space debris; mega constellations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C61 C72 H23 H32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 29 pages
Date: 2026-09
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