Risk Assessment and Control of Space Assets

Space assets are crucial resources for a nation, and effectively managing the various risks associated with them will help maximize their benefits, enhance their contribution to national modernization and security, and improve the strength of the space industry. First, this study clarifies the definition and scope of space assets. In a narrow sense, space assets encompass all spacecraft in orbit. Broadly speaking, space assets also comprise related physical and intangible assets. Second, potential risk sources are identified from multiple dimensions and categorized into technical risks (such as collision disintegration, explosive disintegration, and load failure), military risks (including the use of spacecraft as weapons or weapon platforms), and management risks (referring mainly to mismatches in management systems, leading to loss of intangible assets). Subsequently, this study explores a quantitative assessment method for the technical risks, establishes a model for quantifying space asset values, and briefly analyzes possible risk control methods. Furthermore, a preliminary classification model for risk events is proposed along with several considerations including establishment of systems and mechanisms, formulation of response plans, responsibility allocation, and implementation and supervision of disposal actions.