  The orbital debris problem presents an opportunity for inter-agency and
international cooperation toward the mutually beneficial goals of debris
prevention, mitigation, remediation, and improved space situational awareness
(SSA). Achieving these goals requires sharing orbital debris and other SSA
data. Toward this, I present an ontological architecture for the orbital debris
domain, taking steps in the creation of an orbital debris ontology (ODO). The
purpose of this ontological system is to (I) represent general orbital debris
and SSA domain knowledge, (II) structure, and standardize where needed, orbital
data and terminology, and (III) foster semantic interoperability and
data-sharing. In doing so I hope to (IV) contribute to solving the orbital
debris problem, improving peaceful global SSA, and ensuring safe space travel
for future generations.
