Don’t worry, no one is throwing junk from a moving spaceship. Yet, the concern over “space junk”, a term coined by space scientists, is real and increasing.
What On Earth Is Space Junk?
We all have junk rooms in our homes, right? Think of space as Earth’s attic, littered with old satellite parts and spent rocket stages. This ‘celestial clutter’ or ‘orbital debris’ is what scientists call ‘space junk’.
Why Should We Be Worried?
Imagine a scenario where you’re driving on a freeway, and about every half-mile, cars are abandoned, broken glass scattered, and chunks of metal hurled at you at insane speeds. Welcome to the world of our satellites.
Common Misconceptions About Space Junk
Unfortunately, misconceptions abound. To understand how and why let’s look at some frequently asked questions.
Can’t these space agencies just pick up after themselves?
Easy to say, tough to perform! The cost and logistics of sending clean-up satellites are colossal.
Are Astronauts in danger from Space Junk?
Yes, but the risk is minimal. Space agencies are careful to maneuver spacecraft away from any significant debris.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Who Is Keeping Us Safe?
Kudos to space agencies & several private companies who are working on innovative ways to mitigate the issue.
- Increasing the design life span of satellites to reduce the litter.
- De-orbiting obsolete satellites out of harm’s way.
- Designing spacecraft to withstand impacts by smaller debris.
What Can We Do?
As individuals, we might feel helpless when it comes to massive scientific issues like space junk. But in our small ways, we can contribute.
We can strive to be well-informed and share our knowledge with others. Understanding leads to empathy, and empathy leads to action!
So, who’s afraid of some Space Junk?
We all should be, at least to some degree. But thankfully, we have some of the best minds on this planet working tirelessly to keep us safe. The next time you look up at the stars, know that we’re in safe hands.