Short Wave SPACE WEEK: Is Space Junk Cluttering Up The Final Frontier?
Sep 3, 2020
Explore the growing problem of space debris cluttering Earth's orbit and its impact on satellite safety. Discover how 90% of tracked objects are non-functional, posing risks to future exploration. Learn about innovative technologies like magnets and nets in the upcoming Clear Space One mission, aimed at cleaning up this clutter by 2025. The conversation highlights the urgent need for international regulations to ensure the sustainability of our final frontier.
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Moriba's Satellite Observation
- Moriba Jah first noticed satellites while stationed at an Air Force base in Montana.
- He was surprised to see them with his naked eye, sparking his interest in space.
Space Junk Problem
- Space junk is a growing problem with over 20,000 trackable objects in orbit.
- 90% of this is non-operational debris, posing a risk to satellites.
Debris Creation and Behavior
- Satellites create debris through shedding, explosions, and collisions.
- This debris is difficult to predict due to various forces acting upon it in space.