Space junk could cost nations millions in damages

Apparently, it’s not only the planet’s landfills that are filling up at a record pace, but the skies as well. Thousands of pieces of debris from satellites and shuttles are accumulating in the atmosphere with collisions likely to happen soon. It’s estimated that there are more than 29,000 objects larger than four inches orbiting around the planet at speeds in excess of 15,000 miles per hour. The likelihood of these objects colliding with other debris and satellites increases as more shuttles and satellites are launched.

Space junk could easily destroy millions of dollars in equipment should it collide with a functioning satellite given its high speed. As larger pieces of debris collide, smaller pieces break off, adding to the missiles of metal orbiting the Earth.

As the years pass, more and more debris will be deposited and the likelihood of a dangerous collisions increases. The European Space Agency is asking governments to clean up their mess now before something bad happens. The cost of going up and retrieving debris is exorbitant, but that cost will only increase as the debris continues to collect in the atmosphere.

Governments are looking into several ways to collect the debris and potentially recycle the metals and parts to help recoup some of the costs. Ideas range from using tethers and nets to harpoons and lasers. Should the undertaking be too much for government agencies, there are rumors that private companies may be hired to take care of it.

I can’t help but think of the movie “WALL-E” and the ship bursting through the space debris as he hitches a ride on the rocket. It’s easy to think about environmental and safety concerns when its right under your feet, but too few people are looking to the skies. Space debris have been a talked about issue for years, but it appears some governments are actually going to work on eliminating some of it.

 Photo courtesy of Live Internet