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 ...
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