Space debris has been accumulating in low-Earth orbit over the past few decades – that is, for as long as we have explored space. Today, junk removal has become a more pressing problem. According to space agencies, there’s a need for our planet to conduct space debris removal activities. For over a half-century, humanity has been leaving objects to hurl into low-Earth orbit. Some voices in the industry are saying we should impose some limitations on further launches and no longer congest the orbital environment, as our attitude to orbit has been increasingly negligent. But is space debris removal possible?
What is active space debris removal?
Active space debris removal involves capturing and removing satellites that have ceased to function in orbit, spent stages of rockets, and some other types of man-made junk that orbit our planet. So far, this process is mostly in theoretical and experimental stages as it still faces important technical challenges – for one, because our orbit is vast, and there are many types and sizes of debris. Eliminating it requires employing the most precise control and maneuvering techniques in the microgravity environment. Not only space agencies but also private companies are still studying different concepts of junk removal to address these challenges. However, some are already testing potential solutions.
How is space debris removed?
Some of the many ways to remove space debris include capture and deorbit – i.e., deploying nets that capture small fragments, harpooning to secure larger debris, and towing objects with a grappling or tether mechanism. Other methods involve using laser-based systems that vaporize or push small debris. Solutions for space debris removal aren’t simple, but at least we have the techniques to put them into practice. Our planet is struggling to clean the low-Earth orbit from junk because we need this environment to explore space further.
What is the space debris removal program?
NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Space Agency (JAXA), some private companies, and different research institutions work on different removal programs. Some of the private space debris removal companies are OrbitGuardians, ClearSpace, Share My Space, Astroscale, and Obruta. There are many startups trying to work out their own space debris removal projects, but the competition is harsh. The highest active space debris removal activity is in the US, but Europe catches up, too. And for a good reason – according to Orbital Today, debris accumulation in orbit is going to eventually cause the cascade Kessler syndrome effect – and that is something that concerns all countries on any continent.
How does Earth monitor space debris?
Space debris removal companies are also involved in monitoring low-Earth debris. They use the most advanced technologies to obtain information on how these lost objects are moving and study their trajectories. Lately, companies have started using CubeSat satellites to monitor these activities, and the information obtained is priceless.
Plus, modern aerospace companies work on approaches to minimize the amount of technological junk in orbit. That includes making reusable rockets and maneuverable satellites. For instance, the International Space Station (ISS) recently performed an in-orbit maneuver called Dodge debris. While this might not sound too helpful in terms of junk removal, at least it offers us a gateway to exploring other planets. Luckily, we also have clean-up companies that work on space tugs, lasers, and laser nudges for future removal projects.
What is SpaceX doing for junk removal?
While satellite mega-constellations are posing a debris removal problem, companies like OneWeb and SpaceX are struggling to provide broadband access to the people on the planet – through satellite internet. These satellites will eventually require removal, of course. But currently, SpaceX doesn’t do anything for junk removal, even though it launches more orbital payloads than any other company today. At the same time, the aerospace giant seems to focus on the problems the human population is facing. So, their approach is contradictory at best, considering Elon Musk is interested in colonizing Mars too.
What are the most pressing removal problems?
Urgent removal is necessary because some debris accumulated in orbit includes highly risky objects. For instance, the SL-12s old Russian rocket bodies can explode at any time, leaving behind new debris clouds in their orbital paths. Besides, there’s also ESA’s double-checker bus-sized Envisat that’s still congesting our orbit. If the defunct Envisat collided with an operation spacecraft or other defunct tech, the Earth-low orbit would take in a lot of debris.
Once again, the Kessler syndrome is brought into discussion here, as these collisions would cause a chain reaction of other collisions and more debris. If this happened, our orbit would remain off-limits for years to come. We wouldn’t want this to happen, so space debris removal companies should do their best to ensure urgent junk removal. After all, the entire planet is counting on them to take some action.
