Space Junk

Space Junk
Space junk is an accumulation of objects in orbit around Earth that

no longer serve any purpose. They range from defunct satellites and
spent rocket stages to fragments from explosions and collisions.
by Juan Gallego
What is Space Junk?
Definition Scope
Space debris includes both natural The vast majority of space debris is in low
(micrometeoroids) and artificial (man- Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of
made) objects in space that no longer approximately 2,000 km or less.
serve any purpose.
Danger Origin
Space debris travels at high speeds and Space junk is created by intentional or
poses a risk of collision that can damage or accidental human activities in space, such
destroy spacecrafts, endangering lives and as launches, operations, and debris-
disrupting communication and navigation producing activities.
systems.
Types of Space Debris
Orbital debris Re-entry debris
Debris that remains in orbit around Earth, Debris that falls back to Earth, such as
such as defunct satellites or spent rocket spacecraft components or uncontrolled
stages. reentries.
Micrometeoroids Kessler Syndrome
Tiny particles that travel at high speeds A theoretical scenario where the density
and pose a risk to spacecrafts and of space debris could become so high
astronauts. that it would create a cascade of
collisions, generating an exponentially
increasing amount of debris and making
space activities impossible.
How Does Space Junk Affect Earth?
1 Catastrophic scenarios
Space debris collisions can trigger catastrophic scenarios such as the Kessler
Syndrome, rendering space activities impossible and potentially putting human
lives at risk.
2 Damage to satellites
Space debris can damage or destroy communication and navigation satellites,

which are critical for modern society and the economy.
3 Endangering astronauts
Space debris poses a risk to astronauts and their spacecrafts, and creates
hazardous conditions for human space exploration.
4 Light pollution
Space debris can reflect sunlight, creating visible trails and contributing to light
pollution.
Preventing Space Junk
Prevention Tracking Mitigation
The most effective Tracking space debris is Developing strategies and

approach is to prevent essential for preventing technologies for mitigating
space debris generation by collisions and keeping space debris is important,
complying with guidelines space activities safe. Many such as removing obsolete
and regulations, designing programs and organizations and hazardous debris from
spacecrafts with safety in have been established for space, and designing
mind, and minimizing the this purpose. spacecrafts that can
amount of debris- dispose of themselves
producing activities. safely after their missions
are completed.
Current Efforts to Clean up Space
Debris
NASA Orbital Debris Program European Space Agency's e.Deorbit
Office mission
Coordinates space debris research and A mission planned for 2025 that will
analysis to mitigate and prevent space capture and dispose of a derelict satellite
debris. They use models and tools to track in LEO. It will use a combination of capture
and predict debris movements and and disposal technologies to
recommend measures to mitigate demonstrate the feasibility of active
hazards. space debris removal.
Low Earth Orbit Environment The Space Safety Coalition

Remediation
An initiative that brings together
A research project by the Japan organizations and experts from around
Aerospace Exploration Agency that aims the world to address space debris safety
to develop technologies for space-debris issues and develop mitigation solutions.
removal, including a method that uses a
magnetic field to attract and capture
debris particles.
Future Outlook for Space Debris
Removal
International cooperation
The growing awareness of the dangers of

space debris and the increasing
international collaboration on space
activities may lead to more coordinated
efforts to mitigate and remove space
debris.
1 2 3
New technologies Industry initiatives
Advanced technologies such as The growing commercial space industry

nanosatellites, lasers, and robotic arms may drive the development of space-
are being developed for more efficient debris removal technologies and services,
and effective space-debris removal. in the context of space sustainability and
responsible space activities.

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Space Junk

Space junk is an accumulation of objects in orbit around Earth that

Micrometeoroids Kessler Syndrome

Space debris can damage or destroy communication and navigation satellites,

Prevention Tracking Mitigation

The most effective Tracking space debris is Developing strategies and

Low Earth Orbit Environment The Space Safety Coalition

The growing awareness of the dangers of

New technologies Industry initiatives

Advanced technologies such as The growing commercial space industry

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