This is a best-practice time-limit adopted by the world's space agencies for the removal of their equipment from orbit once it has completed its mission.

BBC: Space debris collisions expected to rise

By adapting maritime precedents, space law could make orbital debris removal feasible, once the right economic incentives are in place.

FORBES: Beware Of Space Junk

Dr. Klinkrad at ESA is now leading an international space commission that is assessing debris-removal possibilities.

WSJ: A Cosmic Question: How to Get Rid Of All That Orbiting Space Junk?

Instead, space-faring nations should create an Orbital Debris Removal and Recycling Fund (ODRRF).

FORBES: Beware Of Space Junk

But the Ireland bowlers were hitting their straps and an inspired spell from Cusack resulted in the removal of Jehan Mubarak and then Jayawardene in the space of four deliveries.

BBC: Sri Lanka see off valiant Ireland

But he warns that any proposal for satellite removal requires international agreement because these systems could also be viewed as aggressive developments - as space weapons.

BBC: UK design to 'harpoon' old satellites