Thousands of satellites and rockets have been sent into space since humans began exploring this vast and fascinating world of infinite mystery. These multi-purpose satellites help scientists in space exploration, observations and entertainment, providing access to Wi-Fi, GPS and television. However, not all satellites remain active, and many become part of an ever-growing collection. Space debris. Aging satellites, rocket fragments and small debris are contributing to an increasingly crowded orbital environment, which could ultimately trigger a catastrophic scenario. Kessler syndrome. This could lead to a series of object collisions to the point where Earth’s orbit became unusable. Let’s understand about all. space junkits risks, and implications for Kessler syndrome.
What is Kessler syndrome?
Recommended by NASA Scientist Donald Kessler suggested in 1978 that this is a hypothetical scenario where space debris in Earth’s orbit creates a cascade of collisions, creating more fragments and posing risks to satellites, spacecraft and astronauts. Increases This event describes a future where the accumulation of orbital debris becomes so dense that it could render Earth’s orbit unusable for generations. This could threaten technologies such as GPS, satellite communications, and weather monitoring, as well as our Space exploration Efforts
Although the scenario is theoretical, the risks are real and growing. Space congestion has increased due to increase in satellite launches, accidental collisions and deliberate destruction of space objects. Experts warn that even small pieces of debris, traveling at high speeds, can cause catastrophic damage.
While efforts are being made to track and manage space debris, many scientists believe that the early stages of Kessler Syndrome have begun, darkening the future of space exploration and satellites. The question arises about our dependence on the technologies based.
What is space junk?
Space junk can refer to parts of objects, dead satellites, debris left by humans in space. There are many active satellites in space but there are also dead satellites that have failed at the end of their missions or left in orbit. are It consists of relatively small objects such as pieces of debris, or paint flakes that have fallen from rockets. According to the European Space Agency, since the first space flight in 1957, there have been more than 650 “breakups, explosions, collisions or other unusual events.” As a result of which the pieces were broken.”.
Recent years have seen many satellite launches, rocket explosions, and weapons tests that have added to the junk.
Since the 1950s, about 50,000 tons of material have been launched into orbit. As of September 2024, more than 13,000 tons of space objects are in orbit. Of the 19,590 satellites launched since 1957, 13,230 are still in orbit, of which 10,200 are currently operational, according to the European Space Agency, citing data from the US Space Surveillance Network. .
Even a piece of paint left in space has incredible power to break through metal, according to NASA. Any piece of junk left in space can be extremely dangerous and even destructive.
The dangers of space junk
Space junk is not currently a threat to space exploration, but its increasing size means satellites must move out of the way of incoming space junk to ensure they are not hit or damaged.
Hundreds of collision avoidance maneuvers are performed each year across all satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts live.
How to clean up space junk
One can avoid Kessler syndrome and prevent the risk of collisions by cleaning up space junk a little.
The United Nations recommends that all companies de-orbit their satellites within 25 years of completing their missions. However, this guideline is difficult to enforce, especially since satellites can fail unexpectedly.
To solve this problem, innovative solutions have emerged, including using harpoons, nets, magnets, or lasers to drag defunct satellites into Earth’s atmosphere and burn them. These techniques, while promising, are primarily suited for large satellites and not for smaller debris such as paint chips or metal fragments, which must naturally re-enter the atmosphere over time.
Cleaning technologyAs the Drag Augmentation Deorbiting Subsystem (ADEO), developed by the European Space Agency and HPS GmbH, offers passive deorbiting methods by increasing atmospheric drag, as demonstrated by a successful prototype in December 2022 is However, such technologies remain experimental and expensive, raising questions about funding.
Apart from cleanliness, regulation plays an important role. A recent UN treaty for the future emphasizes dialogue on space debris and traffic, although implementation mechanisms are lacking. Space Policy Experts argue for holding space stakeholders accountable for national laws, with the U.S. potentially taking a leadership role in establishing a clear framework.