Space pollution is becoming a growing concern as humanity sends more objects into space.
According to NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) estimates, there are approximately 34,000 objects larger than 10 cm, 900,000 objects between 1 and 10 cm, and 130 million objects between 1 mm and 1 cm in orbit around the Earth.
These numbers are likely to increase over time due to increased launches and potential collisions.
This debris, consisting of decommissioned satellites, abandoned rocket stages, and fragments from collisions, orbits at extreme speeds, up to 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph), making collisions potentially devastating.
Space debris threatens operating satellites and astronauts on missions, compromising communications, meteorology, Earth surveillance and scientific research. They also increase the risk to manned missions, such as the International Space Station (ISS).
The Kessler Syndrome describes a hypothetical scenario where debris density becomes so high that chain collisions become inevitable, rendering space nearly unusable.
Space pollution endangers the sustainability of space exploration and exploitation. Satellites, crucial to many sectors, can be expensive to replace if destroyed.
To limit the creation of new debris, it is possible to design more durable satellites and optimize launch trajectories.
Several space cleaning projects are under development, such as robotic cleaners or harpoons to capture debris. For debris between 1 and 10 cm, lasers are being considered.
Reusable rockets, which take off and return to Earth, are also an innovative solution to reduce space pollution. This approach is more ecological and economical!
Better tracking and monitoring of space debris is also essential to anticipate potential collisions and coordinate international efforts.
Establishing international standards and regulations for space debris management is crucial to encourage responsibility and cooperation among nations.
The development of new technologies to make satellites more resistant to space debris, as well as the exploration of alternatives to satellites, could help reduce the risks associated with space pollution.
