Behind the Wings ®
The Podcast – S6, Episode 59
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.
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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!
Key Takeaways:
- Jonathan has tracked and cataloged every satellite launch since he started in 1989. From Sputnik to today, he has compiled one of the most comprehensive lists created by an individual.
- The Kessler syndrome is a theoretical scenario that describes a situation where the amount of objects in low Earth orbit becomes so high that collisions between these satellites cause more debris, eventually destroying nearly all spacecraft.
- With the rise of large satellite constellations, such as Starlink, we could start to see billboards orbiting the globe, lighting up the night sky.
Resources:
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