Science & Technology, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Space debris, also known as space junk, emerges when man-made objects that orbit the Earth but no longer serve any useful purpose. These objects include spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, and other debris created by human activity in space. Space debris poses a significant risk to active satellites, space exploration missions, and even astronauts. This article will explore the problem of space debris and the potential solutions to mitigate its effects.
Researchers of a recent study called for a global agreement to guarantee the worlds orbit is not irreparably damaged with the future expansion of the international space industry.
In the week where almost 200 countries agreed to a treaty to guard the High Seas following a 20-year process, experts held the view that society is required to take the lessons learned from one part of our planet and transfer it to another.
Researchers indicated that the number of orbiting satellites is expected to be elevated from 9,000 presently to more than 60,000 by 2030, with estimates suggesting there are already over 100 trillion untracked pieces from old satellites orbiting the planet.
Even though the technology is utilized to give a large range of social and atmospheric benefits, researchers expressed concerns that the forecasted rise of the industry could make bigger components of Earth’s orbit unusable.
Experts that joined hands from across the globe that consisted of those in satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution who wrote in the journal Science, indicated that their findings show the need for a prompt global agreement on the most appropriate measure to govern Earth’s orbit.
They acknowledged that industries and nations in large numbers have started to draw their attention to satellite sustainability, however they stated that this should be enforced to include any country having plans to utilize the Earth’s orbit.
They further elaborated that any agreement, should consist of measures to put into place producer and user responsibility involving satellites and debris, from the launch time onwards. Commercial costs should further be considered while exploring at ways to incentivize accountability. These considerations would be consistent with the present proposals addressing ocean plastic pollution as countries start to negotiate the Global Plastics Treaty.
The experts further held the view that if urgent action is not taken promptly, large sections of the world’s immediate surroundings run the risk of facing the same fate in the High Seas.
Co-authors of the article consisted of researchers from the University of Plymouth, Arribada Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Spaceport Cornwall, and ZSL (Zoological Society of London).
They also included the academic who led the 1st ever study into marine microplastics, that was published in Science as well, roughly 20 years back, and scientists who played a part in the commitment to develop a Global Plastics Treaty signed by 170 world leaders at the United Nations Environment Assembly last year ibn March.
Space debris poses a significant risk to active satellites, spacecraft, and astronauts. The collision of a satellite or spacecraft with even a small piece of debris can cause significant damage or even complete destruction. This not only threatens the mission of the affected spacecraft but also creates additional debris that can further increase the risk of collisions.
“Satellites are vital to the health of our people, economies, security and Earth itself. However, using space to benefit people and planet is at risk. By comparing how we have treated our seas, we can be proactive before we damage the use of space for future generations. Humanity needs to take responsibility for our behaviours in space now, not later. I encourage all leaders to take note, to recognise the significance of this next step and to become jointly accountable,” explained Melissa Quinn, Head of Spaceport Cornwall.
