Tackling Space Pollution: Challenges and Solutions for a Cleaner Orbit
Space debris, consisting of millions of small objects in Earth's orbit, poses a significant threat due to their high velocities and potential for causing damage, such as to the International Space Station. The challenge lies in tracking and removing these objects, with methods ranging from passive defenses to active removal techniques like lasers. The growing concern is the Kessler syndrome, where increasing debris leads to more collisions, creating even more debris. Despite various proposed solutions, the complexity of orbital mechanics and low debris density make effective management difficult.