What exactly is space waste, and why is it such a problem?
Image credit to Stock images.
Since the start of the space era in the 1950s, a substantial number of rockets have been launched and an even greater quantity of satellites have been sent into orbit. A significant number of satellites remain in orbit, hence exacerbating the potential for collisions as we continue to deploy more satellites.
Throughout the duration of human space exploration endeavors, a consequential consequence has been the development of a noticeable level of disorder. Thousands of defunct satellites, as well as remnants of rocket launches conducted over the years, are present in orbit above our planet. This has the potential to provide a future challenge.
According to sources such as NASA there are nearly 27,000 orbital debris particles have been recorded and monitored. It is posited by some that the actual quantity of these objects is far greater, and their elusiveness stems from their diminutive size, making them difficult to track, while simultaneously posing a significant threat to both manned and unmanned space operations.
The term "space debris" comprises both naturally occurring meteoroids and manmade objects that have been introduced into Earth's orbit by human activities. Meteoroids are celestial objects that revolve around the sun, but the majority of manmade debris is found in orbit around the Earth, thus giving rise to the name "orbital" debris.
Orbital debris refers to any artificial item in Earth's orbit that has become obsolete and no longer fulfills a practical purpose. The debris in question encompasses several types, including as nonfunctional spacecraft, abandoned stages of launch vehicles, trash resulting from missions, and fragments.
According to more sources there are the Earth is now encircled by an estimated 23,000 fragments of debris that exceed the size of a softball. Orbital debris, despite its relatively tiny size, has the potential to inflict harm upon satellites or spacecraft due to its ability to fly at velocities of up to 17,500 mph. There exist an estimated quantity of 500,000 fragments of debris, each measuring at least 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) or greater, as well as an approximate count of 100 million debris fragments of about 0.04 inches (one millimeter) and larger. Additionally, there exists a further abundance of minuscule debris, measuring in the micrometer range with a diameter of around 0.000039 inches.
Image credit Nasa
Currently as we speak this issue is being attempted to solve as the United Nations has issued a request for all corporations to initiate the removal of their satellites from orbit within a period of 25 years subsequent to the conclusion of their respective missions. However, the enforcement of this policy poses challenges due to the inherent possibility of satellite failures. In order to address this issue, several multinational corporations have devised innovative strategies.
Several methods have been proposed for the removal of defunct satellites from orbit, such as the retrieval and controlled reentry of these objects into the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in their incineration. Potential methods for satellite retrieval include using a harpoon mechanism to ensnare the satellite, employing a large net to capture it, utilizing magnets to secure its grasp, or even employing laser technology to elevate the satellite's temperature, so augmenting its air resistance and facilitating its descent from orbit.
According to Department of Defense’s global Space Surveillance Network sensors there area currently :
2,000 active satellites in Earth's orbit
3,000 dead satellites in Earth's orbit
34,000 pieces of space junk larger than 10 centimetres
128 million pieces of space junk larger than 1 millimetre
One in 10,000: risk of collision that will require debris avoidance manoeuvres
25 debris avoidance manoeuvres by the ISS since 1999
While there is nothing we can do currently about this issue all we can do is attempt to make more scientific and vigorous discoveries so that we can figure out a way to clean up the mess we made on both earth and in space.
Works cited :
“Space Debris and Human Spacecraft.” NASA, 2019, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.
“GoPro Video of a Rocket Separating.” Nhm.ac.uk, 2019, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-space-junk-and-why-is-it-a-problem.html. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.
“About Space Debris.” Esa.int, 2023, www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/About_space_debris. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.
Comments