With approximately 500,000 marble-sized debris objects in Earth’s orbit, and an estimated 100 million objects of one millimeter or smaller, how can we keep low Earth orbit safe and usable for future generations? Learn more from management and program analyst Jericho Locke in the most recent episode of our Small Steps, Giant Leaps podcast: https://lnkd.in/exaixE7H
Concept: Electromagnetic Debris Net (EDN) Develop a large, deployable electromagnetic net that can capture small to medium-sized debris using magnetic forces. This net would be launched and then expanded in orbit, gradually collecting debris over time before being deorbited. Energy Efficiency: Powered by solar panels, ensuring continuous operation without relying on heavy fuel loads. Use energy only when capturing debris, conserving power during idle times. Deorbiting System: Once the net is filled with debris, small thrusters or a built-in deorbit module can guide it to re-enter the atmosphere safely. Ensures that the captured debris burns up, preventing additional clutter in orbit. Benefits: Cost Efficiency: Utilizes a single launch to deploy a large net, capturing many debris objects over time. Scalability: Multiple nets can be launched and positioned in different orbital paths to cover more area. Low Maintenance: Requires minimal intervention once deployed, relying on autonomous systems for operation.
Magnetic debris catcher for metallic objects? Something that can safely burn up on re-entry?
Wouldn’t most of those objects orbits eventually dec ?
Space debris is a growing concern! Ensuring the safety and usability of low Earth orbit for future generations is crucial. Excited to hear Jericho Locke's insights on managing this challenge in the latest podcast episode. Let's work together to protect our space environment!
Ensuring the safety and usability of low Earth orbit (LEO) for future generations is crucial given the vast amount of debris. Effective measures include improving tracking and monitoring systems for space debris, implementing stricter regulations for satellite design to ensure they can be de-orbited safely, and developing technologies for debris removal. International collaboration and a commitment to sustainable space practices are essential to address this growing challenge. Let's work together to protect our space environment and secure a safe orbital space for the future!
Definitely a valuable discussion, especially with the proliferation of LEO MicroSat constellations like StarLink. Personally, I think de-orbiting the debris with laser is probably the way to go. PSA, here are the links to the 2024 report that is mentioned in the podcast, and an earlier report from 2023: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-otps-cba-of-orbital-debris-phase-2-plus-svgs-v3-tjc-tagged.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/otps_-_cost_and_benefit_analysis_of_orbital_debris_remediation_-_final.pdf
We owe this to the future generations. Incentivizing satellite launchers take responsibility of cleaning the debris is the way to go. They have the capability and now the motivation.
Our innovative FragSat system is guaranteed to eliminate objects in LEO at hitherunto unseen scale.
Just goes to show how parasitic we, as humans, are. Once we have completely stripped this planet of all it's resources we will no longer have use for Earth. So, now we're looking for another planet to infect. Instead of learning from our mistakes. Shame on us!
Data Centre’s & Facilities & Digital Transformation Consultant @ Edarat Group | Construction & Facilities Management & Hyperscale Data Centre's CDCMP®, AOS®, CDCP®, HWPDC, HCIA, HCIP, OSHA®
2moThis report really makes you think. It's not just about junk in space, it's about how we treat the world around us. NASA's taking the lead, but shouldn't we all be pitching in? It's like cleaning up after a party, but on a cosmic scale! Imagine a future where space isn't just a dumping ground, but a place where we explore and discover, leaving it even better than we found it. It's a wild idea, but maybe it's not so far-fetched after all.