Earth's orbit is currently facing a significant challenge due to the increasing amount of cosmic clutter. This clutter includes old satellites, rocket boosters, and various other debris left behind by explorers, creating a growing field of space junk encircling the planet.
In a recent development, concerns have been raised about the escalating issue of space debris. With over 8,300 satellites being tracked in orbit, the majority of which are deployed by private companies like SpaceX, the amount of man-made debris continues to rise. It is estimated that there are already over a hundred million tiny pieces of mass in orbit, posing a threat to operational satellites and future space missions.
To address this challenge, efforts are being made to clean up space debris. Companies like AstroScale are pioneering orbital debris removal technologies, such as using magnets to catch and potentially extend the lives of defunct satellites. Additionally, innovative methods like using nets to snare space junk have been tested to improve traffic control in space.
However, the issue of space debris goes beyond cluttering Earth's orbit. The increasing number of satellite launches, almost on a weekly or daily basis, is leading to higher emissions and adding new materials to the stratosphere. Recent studies have shown that a significant portion of particles in the stratosphere contain rocket and satellite metal, raising concerns about potential impacts on Earth's climate in the future.
In response to these challenges, initiatives are underway to address space debris and its environmental implications. For instance, Japan and NASA are planning to launch the world's first biodegradable satellite, primarily made from wood, as a sustainable solution to reduce the environmental footprint of space activities.
