The Space Junk Problem: Can We Clean Up Before It’s Too Late?
The Growing Concern of Space Debris
According to a report published by the European Space Agency, there are now around 130 million pieces of space debris measuring more than one millimetre. This space junk represents a high risk of collision with still-functioning satellites. The latest figures on space debris from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) are revealing.
The Scale of the Problem
Since the beginning of the conquest of space in the 1950s, some 6,890 rockets have been launched (not counting failures), and 21,320 satellites put into orbit. Today, just over 14,000 are still in space, of which 11,200 are still operational. Currently, some 40,360 space objects in Earth’s orbit are regularly tracked and counted by space surveillance networks, for a total estimated mass of over 13,900 tonnes.
The Breakdown of Space Debris
But there is also a huge amount of extremely small pieces of debris. Based on statistical models, the report counts 40,500 pieces over 10cm, around 1.1 million between 1cm and 10cm, and some 130 million between 1mm and 10mm. So much waste and potential space debris can cause major damage. The biggest danger is that all this debris, especially the heaviest, could potentially collide with working satellites.
The Need for Action
The hope is therefore to be able to clean up space debris and move towards a safer, more sustainable space environment. To overcome these issues, a number of more or less far-fetched projects have already emerged.
Solutions in Development
A Swiss team, for example, has developed a satellite that can retrieve others from orbit and then explode them as they re-enter the atmosphere. In a different vein, an American start-up hopes to increase the lifespan and operating capacity of these devices by launching a refuelling service for satellites in geosynchronous orbit around the Earth. More trivial but nonetheless troublesome, the more satellites and debris there are in space, the more light pollution intensifies, with satellites becoming more easily confused with stars. This phenomenon is of particular concern to scientists and amateur astronomers.
Conclusion
The problem of space debris is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. It is essential that we take action to clean up our space environment before it’s too late. While there are many challenges to overcome, innovative solutions are already emerging, and it is crucial that we continue to support and invest in these efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is space debris?
A: Space debris refers to the accumulation of human-made objects in Earth’s orbit, including defunct satellites, rocket parts, and other debris.
Q: How much space debris is there?
A: According to the European Space Agency, there are around 130 million pieces of space debris measuring more than one millimetre.
Q: What is the danger of space debris?
A: The biggest danger is that all this debris, especially the heaviest, could potentially collide with working satellites, causing damage or even destruction.
Q: What can be done to clean up space debris?
A: There are several solutions being developed, including satellite retrieval and refuelling services, as well as efforts to reduce the amount of debris generated in the first place.