"Japan's Groundbreaking Space Laser Satellites to Tackle Orbital Debris"
Japanese startup Orbital Lasers plans to use satellite-mounted lasers to decelerate and remove space debris from Earth's orbit, aiming to start operations by 2029. The technology involves emitting a laser beam to vaporize part of the debris' surface, using the impulse to detumble and decelerate the object so it gradually descends towards the atmosphere and burns up. The company claims this method is safe and cost-effective, with potential applications in space-based Lidar technology for creating detailed surface maps. However, concerns about potential misuse of space-borne lasers and the threat of pre-emptive strikes remain.