How Orbital Debris Could End Space Exploration - Episode 59

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Astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell explains how the ever-growing problem of space junk is threatening satellites, science missions, and even spaceflight as we know it.

In this episode, Jonathan discusses orbital debris, anti-satellite missiles, clean-up efforts, and how one incident could cause a communication blackout for decades. In the lawless realm of low Earth orbit, we could see a future where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn!

Resources:

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:32) - Space Junk Overview

(05:11) - Small Debris Damage

(07:54) - Aerospace Beginnings

(09:37) - Tracking Launches

(11:39) - Dodging Debris

(15:21) - Anti-Satellite Missiles

(20:36) - Space Air Traffic Control

(23:27) - Safer Altitudes

(24:47) - The End of the ISS

(29:17) - How Space Junk is Blocking Research

(31:52) - Billboards in Space

(33:47) - Satellite Designs

(35:05) - Cleaning Up

(36:07) - Jonathan's Advice

(38:14) - Outro

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