Space Technology: The Solutions to solving the problem of Space Debris

So what exactly is space technology? Space technology is technology that is related to: entering space and retrieving objects or life forms from space.

What are some of the applications of space technology in our lives? Some of them include: Weather forecasting, Remote sensing, GPS systems, Satellite television and Some long distance communications systems also rely heavily on space infrastructure

Can you imagine what life will be like without space technology? Space technology has made finding our way on roads to forecasting weather much easier. Without space technology: we will not know when it will rain and where and not be able to find our way around the world.

Many ask, what is space debris. Basically, there are two types of space debris: Artificial space debris and Natural space debris. Artificial space debris is any non-functional man-made object in space. Natural space debris consists of meteoroids.

Where do some of the artificial space debris come from? Satellites that: 

• are no longer of use to humans
• are not functioning anymore
• have failed to reach their destinations

Collision with active or functioning satellites or spacecraft which renders the satellite or spacecraft useless as it can no longer function. This is some of the dangers posed by the space debris.

A collision with space debris is very rare. However, it is not “impossible” for a satellite to collide into space debris. To prevent that from happening, certain precautions are taken. These precautions have been implemented for safety which is an important factor in space travel.

Some precautions taken to minimize the risk of a collision with space debris are as follow. They will search for possible collisions between large space debris objects and high value spacecraft. When such a likelihood is detected, the rocket will be steered out of harm’s way.Debris shields can be designed to provide additional protection for a spacecraft. However, this makes the spacecraft heavy and expensive to launch

Some suggested solutions include having computer tracking devices to track the movements of some of the larger space debris which gives the spacecraft time to move away from danger.Also make the outer layer of the spacecraft thicker so that there is less chance of the space debris breaking through the outer layer of the spacecraft.

My solutions are for machines to be deployed to bring the space debris nearer to the Earth’s atmosphere to ‘decay’ due to the fact that objects in low altitude orbits (below about 500 km) are affected by atmospheric drag. This lowers their orbit until they re-enter the atmosphere and are thus naturally removed from orbit or they can be brought back to Earth to be destroyed. Missiles can be fired at the bigger space debris which poses as a threat. Lasers can be used to destroy space debris within a certain range.Use something similar to a large vacuum cleaner to suck up the space debris and then bring it back to Earth to be destroyed.