Interface- and coating defects are the driving force for laser-induced breakdown of optical components in the nanosecond pulse duration regime, and have therefore major impact on the lifetime of current space-based LIDAR systems. These limitations in laser radiation resistivity are not only observed at high fluence levels for relatively low laser pulse numbers, but also the long term performance is affected due to laser-induced contamination of the optical surface. General effects related to the laser radiation durability following consequently from the defect-induced nature of the damage for optical components typical for space-based LIDAR applications are presented. The susceptibility to laser-induced contamination under vacuum and other controlled environmental conditions is discussed, and an overview on defect mitigation strategies during thin film layer deposition is given, aiming for highly durable optical coatings for the nanosecond pulse duration regime in the ultraviolet spectral range.