by Aneri Shethji

When you think of space, you probably think of a vast empty area with nothing in sight. While that is true, humans have actually left their mark in space. We have launched tens of thousands of rockets and many more satellites into orbit since the 1950s, and thousands of destroyed satellites, as well as fragments from all the rockets we’ve ever fired, are in orbit around our planets. Scientists are soon finding that the “marks” we’ve left on space are in fact harmful, and we call them space junk.

Space junk, also known as space debris, refers to any piece of equipment or debris left in space by humans. It can be used to describe large objects like satellites that have failed and were left in orbit after their missions. It may also be used to describe tiny objects like paint flecks or debris that have fallen off a rocket. The United States Space Surveillance Network was monitoring more than 15,000 objects in orbit that were more than 10 centimeters (four inches) in diameter as of 2021.

But what can these tiny pieces even do to cause harm? Every year, all satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS) where humans reside, conduct hundreds of collision avoidance maneuvers. Since objects circle Earth at great speeds, up to 8 km (5 miles) per second, even a little collision with space junk can inflict damage to a spacecraft. For instance, damage from encounters with debris smaller than one millimeter, or four hundredths of an inch, frequently required the replacement of space shuttle windows. According to scientists, there are millions of objects of that size in space. Luckily, space junk doesn’t currently represent a serious threat to our exploration endeavors. Its greatest threat is to other satellites that are in orbit. To avoid being struck and maybe being damaged or destroyed by all this approaching space debris, these satellites must maneuver out of the path.

So, how do we get rid of all this junk? Every year, all satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS), where humans dwell, do hundreds of collision prevention measures. All businesses are requested by the United Nations, a worldwide organization that works to improve living conditions around the world (and beyond!), to withdraw their satellites from orbit within 25 years after the completion of their mission. Yet, because satellites may stop working —and frequently do—it is difficult to enforce this. Several businesses from across the world have developed creative methods to address this issue. Dead satellites may be drawn back into the atmosphere and removed from orbit, where they would otherwise burn up. We might do this by harpooning a satellite, trapping it in a massive net, grabbing it with magnets, or even shooting lasers at the satellite, causing it to fall out of orbit.

We can lessen the issue of space trash in the future by ensuring that satellites are removed from orbit once they are no longer usable. Thanks to the Earth’s orbit, we can study our planet, communicate, and much more. It’s crucial that we use it wisely so that future generations can profit from it as well.

Source:

Garcia, Mark. “Space Debris and Human Spacecraft.” NASA, NASA, 14 Apr. 2015.

“What Is Space Junk and Why Is It a Problem?” Natural History Museum.

Scientific Peer Review by Alysia Mandato

Aneri Shethji:

Aneri Shethji is a 10th grader at North Allegheny Intermediate High School. She is very passionate about science and writing and enjoys getting involved with the community. In her free time, Aneri spends time with friends and family and loves getting outside. She can’t wait to learn more about all that science has to offer, and help others learn it too!