Handling of external risks, including launch and re-entry events, in the aviation and maritime sector

Abstract

An important part of a flight safety analysis for launch and re-entry events is to ensure safety to air and sea traffic, and maritime infrastructure. Thus, hazard areas are defined based on a risk assessment and risk criteria. Traffic impact depends on size and duration of those areas. Current already existing risk criteria for air and sea traffic as well as maritime infrastructure are reviewed in this paper. Further, this paper will take a closer look on other external risk factors in the aviation or maritime sector. The paper analyses their influence on aviation and maritime operations together with its associated safety measures and compares them with the risk posed by space vehicles. Understanding these relationships can support the conduct of safe space operations and efficient integration of space activities.