MEMORANDUM FOR A1 - Air Force E-Publishing

AFI91-202 5 AUGUST 2011 87
Chapter 10
SPACE SAFETY
10.1. Program Management. All units conducting space-related missions must have a
comprehensive space safety program. Reference AFI 91-217, Space Safety and Mishap
Prevention Program, for specific space safety program requirements. Reference AFMAN 91-
222, Space Safety Investigation and Reports, for specific investigative reporting guidance.
10.2. Program Overview. All DoD activities with the potential to inadvertently and/or
adversely affect spacecraft or humans in space shall be conducted in a safe and reasonable
manner that protects space systems, their mission effectiveness, and humans in space, consistent
with national security requirements IAW DoDD 3100.10, Space Policy.
10.3. Space Control Systems. Space Control Systems, which include systems such as the
Space Surveillance Network, Command and Control Warning, and Offensive and Defensive
Counter Space Systems, have unique missions that don’t directly support other space systems.
All organizations that test or operate space control systems will have a space safety program.
10.4. Design, Development, Integration and Testing. Space systems will be designed, tested
and operated in such a manner to:
10.4.1. In order to prevent design and operational problems, it is critical that space safety
personnel (e.g. system safety managers) are included throughout all phases of a system’s
lifetime.
10.4.2. Local System Safety Managers must be included at all milestone decision points to
effectively manage the risks in each program.
10.5. Launch, Range and Reentry Safety. The launch safety program covers activities
associated with the ground handling, launching and pre-orbital operations of space systems. It
also includes activities connected with the deployment, operation, reentry and recovery (if
required) of test vehicles or payloads that do not attain orbit (either planned or unplanned).
NOTE: Weapon safety programs cover intercontinental ballistic missile test launches.
10.6. Orbital Safety. The high cost of orbital assets, their unique operational design and the
irrecoverable nature of orbital hardware makes mishap prevention a critical component of orbital
systems, from the initial design phase through end-of-life activities. The orbital safety program
covers all activities associated with the development, testing and operation of space vehicles in
orbit or deep space, to include spacecraft design, orbital operations, reentry, recovery and
disposal elements.
10.7. Space Safety Council (SSC). The SSC will assist the AF/SE in fulfilling oversight
responsibilities through effective governance and management. This council, chaired by HQ
AFSC/SES, is composed of the MAJCOM/SEs or their representatives. Other military/civil
space agencies are invited to participate in the cross-flow of information. The council will hold at
least one annual meeting. The SSC shall:
10.7.1. Recommend DoD/federal and commercial space safety policy, prepare and monitor
DoD/federal and commercial space safety directives or instructions concerning safety issues.
10.7.2. Promote space safety initiatives for both DoD/federal and commercial space flight.