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Space Junk

All articles tagged with #space junk

Earthquake sensors offer real-time tracking for reentering space junk
space-exploration1 month ago

Earthquake sensors offer real-time tracking for reentering space junk

Researchers propose using a global network of seismic sensors to detect sonic booms from space debris as they reenter Earth, enabling reconstruction of their trajectories and potentially pinpointing where fragments might land. In a 2024 Shenzhou 17 module event, 127 California seismic stations recorded the sonic boom, revealing the debris path differed from orbital predictions and suggesting ground impact could occur between Bakersfield and Las Vegas; the approach could speed up locating debris and inform risk assessments, with future work expanding to acoustic sensors over oceans. The study, published in Science, highlights how quake networks could augment current radar/optical tracking in space situational awareness.

via Space|
#reentry#seismic-sensors#sonic-boom
Real-Life Tractor Beams Could Tackle Space Junk Crisis
science1 month ago

Real-Life Tractor Beams Could Tackle Space Junk Crisis

Scientists are developing a real-life electrostatic tractor beam that uses electrostatic attraction to safely move defunct satellites out of Earth's orbit, potentially helping to address the growing space junk problem. While promising, the technology faces challenges such as slow operation and high costs, but could become operational within a decade if funding is secured.

via Live Science|
#cu-boulder#electrostatic-attraction#science
Earth's Orbit Faces Growing Crisis from Space Debris and Satellite Risks
science-and-technology3 months ago

Earth's Orbit Faces Growing Crisis from Space Debris and Satellite Risks

The European Space Agency has introduced a space environment health index to assess the long-term impact of space debris, revealing that Earth's orbit is in serious crisis with levels four times above the safe threshold, emphasizing the urgent need for debris mitigation and sustainable space practices to prevent future chaos and ensure the viability of space activities.

via Earth.com|
#esa#orbital-sustainability#science-and-technology
Rising Space Debris Sparks Concerns Over Earth's Increasingly Dangerous Orbit
science3 months ago

Rising Space Debris Sparks Concerns Over Earth's Increasingly Dangerous Orbit

Mine workers in Western Australia discovered a smoking, burning slab of metal believed to be part of a Chinese space rocket's upper stage, raising concerns about space debris and its reentry risks. Authorities are investigating its origin, emphasizing the importance of managing space junk to prevent damage and ensure safety, amid increasing satellite launches like Starlink.

via Yahoo|
#australia#science#space-debris
Rising Spacecraft Crashes Spark Urgent Concerns
science4 months ago

Rising Spacecraft Crashes Spark Urgent Concerns

The article discusses the increasing frequency of space debris re-entering Earth's atmosphere, the lack of effective international regulation and coordination for space traffic, and the growing risks posed by congested orbits, especially with the rise of commercial satellite constellations like SpaceX's Starlink, highlighting the urgent need for updated treaties and management frameworks.

via Jalopnik|
#orbital-congestion#science#space-debris
Starlink Satellites Reenter Earth's Atmosphere at a Rate of Two Per Day, Sparking Pollution Concerns
science4 months ago

Starlink Satellites Reenter Earth's Atmosphere at a Rate of Two Per Day, Sparking Pollution Concerns

Elon Musk's Starlink satellites are contributing to increasing space debris, with one or two satellites falling back to Earth daily, raising concerns about pollution, satellite collisions, and the potential for a catastrophic chain reaction known as Kessler syndrome, which could severely impact Earth's orbital environment and pose risks to ground safety.

via Futurism|
#kessler-syndrome#satellite-re-entry#science
Global Efforts to Mitigate Space Junk Risks and Improve Orbital Traffic Management
science-and-technology4 months ago

Global Efforts to Mitigate Space Junk Risks and Improve Orbital Traffic Management

China has been abandoning a significant number of rocket stages in orbit, especially with the deployment of new megaconstellations like Guowang and Thousand Sails, which could leave over 100 rocket bodies in orbit for more than 25 years, increasing space debris and potential hazards. Despite having the capability to deorbit these stages, China often does not, contributing to the growing problem of space junk, which has accelerated in recent years.

via Ars Technica|
#china#megaconstellations#orbit-debris
Ancient Satellite Sends Unexpected Radio Signal, Baffling Scientists
science8 months ago

Ancient Satellite Sends Unexpected Radio Signal, Baffling Scientists

Astronomers in Australia detected a powerful radio signal near Earth, initially thought to be from an astronomical source, but later identified as likely originating from static electricity buildup and discharge on an old, dead satellite (Relay 2) launched in 1964, highlighting challenges posed by space debris and the need for careful analysis to distinguish man-made signals from cosmic phenomena.

via Yahoo|
#astronomy#electrostatic-discharge#radio-signal