Watch This Space!

The growing problem of space junk – More than 5,000 launches since the start of the space age, have made the space congested and contested.

17:42 05 August 2015

Since the start of the space age, mankind has made over 5,000 launches, each carrying satellites for communications or for observing the Earth. Sadly, this has resulted in enormous space junk that now threatens crucial and costly satellites in orbit.

 

There are tens of thousands of objects that now clutter space and their most visible symptom are the regular collision avoidance manoeuvres being performed by the International Space Station (ISS).

 

In February 2009 two relatively small satellites collided over Siberia creating about 2,000 new fragments that could be tracked, with many still orbiting today and regularly passing close to other satellites.

 

The growing problem has prompted scientists to look for the best solution to safely remove junk from space. The European Space Agency now takes the lead and working on a mission called “e.Deorbit” which aims to remove a large European satellite from space.

 

Meanwhile, other companies, including Planet Labs and OneWeb have also shown commitment in resolving the issue.