Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 The pS ace Debris Environment and Satellite Manufacturing Walter Tam Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Business Commons, and the Environmental Health and Protection Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Walter Tam has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Marilyn Simon, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Tim Truitt, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Gail Ferreira, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract The Space Debris Environment and Satellite Manufacturing by Walter Tam MBA, Pepperdine University, 1986 BS, University of Southern California, 1984 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2015 Abstract Space debris is a growing threat to operational satellites and satellite manufacturing organizations. Leaders in satellite manufacturing organizations lacking adequate knowledge on the space debris risks could be at a competitive disadvantage. The purpose of this explorative case study was to explore strategies leaders in satellite manufacturing organizations use to mitigate risks through the conceptual lens of stakeholder theory, contingency theory, and general system theory. The research questions addressed strategies to mitigate the debris threat from the perspectives of both ongoing concerns and long-term risk resolution. Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 12 leaders, purposively selected, in satellite manufacturing organizations, and supplemented with documentation from the literature and archival records from NASA. Member checking was used to validate the transcribed data subsequently coded into 6 themes that included: meeting requirements; using analytical techniques; using shielding to protect satellites; implementing material and process innovation; developing satellite services; and generating end of mission requirements. Recommendations include maintaining and developing analytical competencies, funding research and development, and establishing standardization. Using strategies that facilitate risk mitigation and the preservation of the space environment, business leaders could benefit by developing strategic road maps that ensure continued access to space. Implications for social change include contributing to social stability, technology advancement, increased knowledge base, economic growth, higher education, and improved standard of living. The Space Debris Environment and Satellite Manufacturing by Walter Tam MBA, Pepperdine University, 1986 BS, University of Southern California, 1984 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University October 2015 Dedication I dedicate this study to my friends and colleagues who inspired me to keep on learning: Dr. Phillip Behruzi, Dr. Steven Collicott, Dr. Hector Gutierrez, Mr. Don Jaekle, Mr. Gary Kawahara, Dr. Dan Kirk, and Mr. Mathias Larsson. Their wisdom, friendship, scholarship, sincerity, humble nature, and dedication to truth gave me the motivation to seek a higher purpose. I am forever grateful for their continued support. I also dedicate this study to my son, Aaron, and my daughter, Danielle, with a reminder that life is not about limitations but about endless possibilities! Acknowledgments I would like to thank Dr. Marilyn Simon, my chairperson and mentor, for her wisdom, guidance, and generous support. I am forever grateful. I would also like to thank Dr. Tim Truitt, my Second Committee Member, for providing guidance and insights. I thank my classmates, especially the future Dr. Doreen Young, for sharing the burden with me, uncomplaining, along the long journey. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the study participants. They took time off from their busy schedule to support my study. This document is an embodiment of their knowledge and wisdom. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the men and women of the United States military for their devotion and sacrifice. Freedom is never free, and they have my deepest gratitude for allowing me the freedom to pursue my goals and interests. Table of Contents Section 1: Foundation of the Study ......................................................................................1 Background of the Problem ...........................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................3 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................3 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................4 Research Method .................................................................................................... 4 Research Design...................................................................................................... 5 Research Question .........................................................................................................5 Interview Questions .......................................................................................................5 Conceptual Framework ..................................................................................................7 Definition of Terms........................................................................................................8 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ..............................................................11 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 11 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 12 Delimitations ......................................................................................................... 12 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................13 Contribution to Business Practice ......................................................................... 13 Implications for Social Change ............................................................................. 14 Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ..................................................16 Opening Narrative ................................................................................................. 16 Sources of Literature ............................................................................................. 17 i Analysis of the Literature: Themes From the Literature Review ......................... 19 Organization of the Literature Review ................................................................. 19 The Space Environment and Space Debris ........................................................... 20 Space Debris Problem in low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, and geosynchronous orbit ................................................................................ 25 Satellite Manufacturing and Space Debris ............................................................ 30 Space Politics, Laws, and Regulations ................................................................. 33 Space Economics .................................................................................................. 36 Employment and Tourism..................................................................................... 39 Commercial Activities in the Space Common Pool Resource.............................. 41 Nature of the Space Debris Problem ..................................................................... 44 Space Situational Awareness and Collision Avoidance ....................................... 48 Past and Present Attempts to Address the Space Debris Problem ........................ 51 The Growing Need for Active Debris Removal ................................................... 55 Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................58 Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................61 Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................61 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................62 Role of the Researcher .......................................................................................... 62 Relationship With the