Risks posed to space systems from accidental illuminations by outdoor laser activities are generally not well known, but will continue to grow as the numbers, applications, and intensities of lasers increase world-wide. Although terrestrial eye safety risks from laser radiation are well understood and mitigated by established standards/processes, there are no international standards that laser and satellite operators can follow to mitigate space system risks. The hazards from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) lasers are mitigated via DoD policy and processes, but a conservative, risk-averse approach is used that is burdensome to DoD laser programs. It is desirable to better understand the risks and determine an appropriate balance of policies/standards/processes that promotes laser technology while providing space system safety. To quantify the risks, a Probabilistic Risk Analysis (PRA) methodology has been developed to calculate the statistical frequency of causing accidental illumination and damage. As the risk environment becomes better characterized using PRA, it will be possible to consider concepts that help mitigate hazards at an international level. These concepts may include notifications to space operators and the establishment of open-use wavelength bands. These approaches would parallel established international policies for aviation safety and allocation of portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
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