All articles tagged with #space junk removal
Astroscale, a 2025 Gizmodo Science Fair winner, successfully launched its ADRAS-J mission to approach and observe a defunct Japanese rocket stage in orbit, demonstrating the potential for space debris removal and promoting sustainable use of Earth's orbital environment. The mission paves the way for future debris removal efforts, aiming to reduce space junk and extend satellite lifespans.
A new method for removing space debris involves using a bidirectional plasma ejection system from an ion engine to push space junk into Earth's atmosphere for safe burn-up, offering a safer and potentially more effective solution to the growing problem of space debris in low-Earth orbit.
Private companies and national space agencies are exploring ways to remove space debris from Earth orbit, which poses a growing threat to satellites and future space missions. Estimates of the amount of debris vary, but there are potentially millions of pieces ranging in size from 1 millimeter to 10 centimeters, as well as trillions of smaller fragments. The European Space Agency has contracted with a Swiss start-up called ClearSpace for the first-ever mission to remove a derelict object from orbit. Commercial demand for space debris removal is expected to increase over time, with major space agencies funding initial missions and private companies eventually lowering prices for commercial purposes. However, uncertainties and challenges remain in accurately tracking and mitigating space debris.