arrow
Return

Representing and querying space object registration data using graph databases

delete2020-08-01
delete4
PRE
AI
S
Samantha Le May *
B
Brett Carter
S
Steve Gehly
S
S. Flegel
M
Moriba Jah
DOI:10.1016/j.actaastro.2020.04.056delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
The Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space is a United Nations treaty that serves as a means of identifying which States bear international responsibility and liability for space objects. It is an important mechanism of international coordination, forming part of the existing international legal framework that governs outer space activities. This study establishes the capability of using a graph database to quantitatively analyse overall adherence by member States to the Registration Convention. We further investigate the timeliness of adherence by quantifying the delay between the date of launch and registration. It is found that overall adherence to the registration convention has declined over time, with the percentage of adherence fluctuating between 70% and 90% in the past decade. The median registration delay varies for different States, ranging from 83 to 342 days for countries with greater than 100 registered satellites. The graph database connects multiple data types from a variety of public sources, enabling further analysis of factors influencing space object registration, including satellite type and orbit regime. This approach generates insights that may prove useful in expanding our understanding of registration practices, and could be implemented as a method of monitoring progress toward completeness of the international space object register.
Keywords:
UN registration convention
Graph database
Space governance

Journal

Acta Astronautica cover
Acta Astronautica
IF:
3.4
Papers:
1.1W
Citations:
2.1W

Organization

U
university of texas austin
Scholars:
2.4W
Papers: 2.0W
Citations: 54
U
university of texas system
Scholars:
18.5W
Papers: 15.6W
Citations: 210