Orbital Debris and Reducing the Risk

 

Orbital debris, commonly known as space junk, is any human-made object that is no longer functioning in space. This includes defunct satellites, pieces of broken rockets, and other objects that are no longer being used. These objects can create a serious risk to functioning spacecraft, since even a small piece of debris can cause significant damage.

Today, the amount of orbital debris is a growing concern. The United States Strategic Command currently tracks more than 22,000 objects orbiting Earth, and the European Space Agency estimates that there are more than 34,000 objects larger than 10 cm in diameter. These larger objects are less of a hazard, since they are easier to track and avoid. However, the larger problem is posed by smaller objects that are harder to detect.

In order to reduce the risk of orbital debris, a few actions can be taken.


First, launch providers should take steps to reduce the amount of debris generated during launches. This may include designing upper stages of rockets that can be guided back to Earth, using fuel efficient engines that minimize fuel waste, and storing fuel tanks on the launchpad rather than in orbit.


Second, governments and space agencies should work together to establish guidelines for safe operations in orbit. These might include regulations for deorbiting satellites at the end of their lifetime and steps that can be taken to minimize the amount of debris produced during collisions.


Finally, space agencies should consider the development of technologies that can be used to actively remove orbital debris. This might include robotic arms, nets, lasers, and other systems that can be used to safely remove debris from orbit.

In the end, orbital debris poses a serious threat to the safety of spacecraft and satellites in orbit. By taking steps to reduce the amount of debris generated during launches, establishing regulations for safe operations, and developing technologies to actively remove debris, we can help to ensure that our space environment is safe and sustainable.