Junk That's Not in the Trunk

The Problem of Untraceable Space Junk

Space is a vast, almost uncontainable expanse, but there are parts of it that are starting to feel a little cramped. Low Earth orbit, the region of space closest to our planet, is becoming increasingly cluttered with small, untraceable pieces of space junk—debris from old satellites, rocket boosters, and other spacecraft that have broken apart over time. This debris poses a serious threat to active satellites and other spacecraft, as even a tiny piece of junk can cause significant damage at the high speeds at which objects orbit Earth.

The problem of space junk is not new, but it is getting worse. In 1999, there were an estimated 100,000 pieces of space junk larger than 1 centimeter in orbit around Earth. By 2019, that number had grown to over 29,000 pieces. And the vast majority of this debris is too small to be tracked by ground-based telescopes.

The Dangers of Space Junk

Even a small piece of space junk can pose a serious threat to satellites and other spacecraft. In 2009, a defunct Russian satellite collided with an active Iridium satellite, creating a cloud of debris that threatened other satellites in the area. In 2016, a Chinese rocket booster re-entered Earth's atmosphere and broke apart, scattering debris over a wide area. And in 2019, a piece of space junk the size of a marble damaged a window on the International Space Station.

The risk of a collision between a satellite and a piece of space junk is relatively low, but it is not zero. And the consequences of such a collision could be catastrophic. A collision could damage or destroy the satellite, disrupting communications, navigation, or other critical services. It could also create even more space junk, further increasing the risk of future collisions.

What Can Be Done?

There are a number of things that can be done to address the problem of space junk. One is to design satellites and other spacecraft to be more durable and resistant to collisions. Another is to develop new technologies for tracking and removing space junk from orbit. And finally, it is important to promote international cooperation on the issue of space junk, so that all countries can work together to find solutions.

The problem of space junk is a serious one, but it is not insurmountable. By working together, we can find ways to mitigate the risks and keep low Earth orbit a safe place for satellites and other spacecraft.