For decades, nations involved in space exploration have launched countless satellites and various objects into orbit, which are critical to our everyday lives. These satellites provide essential services such as Earth observation and broadcasting television. However, a pressing issue arises when these satellites age and become non-functioning.
Many defunct satellites and their fragments remain in low-Earth orbit, contributing to a growing problem known as space debris or space junk. The removal of these objects is costly and complex, leading to their prolonged existence in orbit, which poses risks for future satellite launches and human space missions, as indicated by NASA.
In November, an approaching piece of space junk threatened the International Space Station (ISS), prompting it to execute a precautionary maneuver to ensure safety. A Russian cargo ship docked at the station adjusted its thrusters for over five minutes to increase distance from debris resulting from a defunct meteorological satellite. Fortunately, the debris was not on a collision course, but the maneuver provided a greater safety margin.
Space junk encompasses non-operational satellites and various human-made objects that have outlived their functionality. This debris includes everything from spent rocket stages to lost tools from astronauts and has accumulated significantly since the start of the space age in the 1950s. Data from the European Space Agency (ESA) estimates that around 50,000 tons of material have been launched into space, with over 13,000 tons currently in orbit.
As the rate of satellite launches rises, the risk of collisions increases, jeopardizing future space endeavors. A notable incident occurred in 2009 when two satellites collided, creating even more debris. The ISS has conducted numerous avoidance maneuvers, including five in 2023 alone, in response to the increasing threat of space debris.
Scientists warn of the potential for Kessler Syndrome, a hypothetical scenario where the density of debris in low-Earth orbit could lead to a cascade of collisions, rendering orbital space virtually unusable. Holger Krag of the ESA emphasized the need for improved technology to address these challenges as the demand for space continues to grow.
In response to this pressing issue, ESA, NASA, and other organizations have ramped up efforts to mitigate space debris. ESA has introduced the Zero Debris Charter, targeting the near-elimination of space junk by 2030. NASA operates an Orbital Debris Program focused on minimizing the creation of new debris and developing methods for tracking and removing existing space junk.
This collaborative push towards cleaning up space reflects a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining sustainable practices in space to protect both our technological infrastructure and the future of space exploration.
As nations and agencies unite to tackle the issue of space debris, there is hope that through innovation and cooperation, we can ensure a safer space environment for generations to come.