For many years, we humans have been trying to explore the vastness of space. Since the launch of the first satellite, Sputnik, in 1957, humanity has sent thousands of spacecraft into orbit. These spacecraft have been instrumental in advancing space exploration, scientific research, and telecommunications.
However, as the number of spacecraft sent into orbit has increased, so has the amount of debris in our orbit. This debris, also known as “space junk” or “orbital debris, ” poses a serious threat to spacecraft and the International Space Station.
Orbital debris is made up of any object in space that is no longer functional or useful. This debris includes everything from small screws and bolts to large pieces of equipment and satellites.
The problem with orbital debris is that it travels at incredibly high speeds in orbit around the Earth. These speeds are so high that even small pieces of debris can cause serious damage to spacecraft.
In fact, a small paint chip traveling at high speeds can cause a significant amount of damage to a spacecraft’s exterior. Imagine if that small paint chip were replaced with a larger, more substantial object like an old, nonfunctioning satellite.
The result of this collision could be catastrophic, not only to the spacecraft but also to human life on Earth. Even worse, the collision of two pieces of orbital debris could result in even more debris, creating a dangerous chain reaction known as the Kessler Syndrome.
The Kessler Syndrome occurs when a high-speed collision between two pieces of debris creates even more debris, eventually causing a chain reaction that could render low Earth orbit unusable for years.
To combat the growing problem of orbital debris, scientists and engineers have been working on different solutions. One of these solutions is to remove nonfunctional objects from orbit.
One way to remove debris from orbit is to use a giant net to capture and de-orbit it. Another solution is to use a harpoon-like device to capture larger objects and pull them back to Earth.
However, these methods can be costly and difficult to implement, especially since there are thousands of objects already in orbit around Earth. This is why it’s crucial to prevent the creation of new debris by making spacecraft more durable and environmentally friendly.
NASA has been working on creating more sustainable spacecraft by using materials that degrade over time, making it easier to remove spacecraft from orbit once they are no longer useful. They have also been working on developing safer and more fuel-efficient propulsion systems.
It’s not just government organizations like NASA that are working on these solutions. Private companies like SpaceX are also working on developing reusable rockets that can return to Earth after launch, reducing the amount of debris left in orbit.
Ultimately, the future of space exploration and human life on Earth depends on our ability to manage the growing problem of orbital debris. We need to work together as a global community to prevent the creation of new debris and remove the existing debris.
By doing so, we can ensure the safety and sustainability of space exploration for future generations. It won’t be an easy task, but if we work together, we can achieve it.
