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Watch Video Of How The ESA Is Removing Space Debris

The European Space Agency (ESA) released a video showing how they plan to remove spec debris. In a world where some countries are still battling garbage control, the ESA is already trying to clear up space.

 

What are space debris and how did they get there? Most of the garbage in space are man-made. They range from parts of decommissioned spacecraft to as little as tiny flecks of paint. But this is not all. Some meteors are also trapped in space as well because their density is not enough to let them enter the earth’s atmosphere. This can endanger space activities like satellite and further travels for a long time. Why?

 

Because of something that is known as Kessler’s Syndrome. It is vital to note that most of these objects are found mostly in the Lower Earth’s Orbit (LEO). Their number is largely concentrated there and this is where the danger lies. If a spaceship tries to leave the earth and accidentally collides with one of this debris, it sets off a continuous collision reaction. (And the LEO is the gateway to space, all space vehicles go through it).

 

As all the space materials are in constant orbiting motion, they will run into each other and create a thick atmosphere of smaller debris. This will make it close to impossible for anything to leave the earth into space for a very long time. You can watch a video explanation of this below:

 

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This makes it mandatory that international bodies think of a solution. And three have been proposed. One involves the use of a robotic large arm controlled by sensors and satellites. This will locate a large chunk of garbage, grab it, and then it would be sent down to earth. The heat caused by the earth’s gravitational field will burn most of it off on re-entry while the rest would be disposed of in the ocean.

 

Another method is the use of a fisherman-like net. The net is projected towards debris found in space and it is collected and disposed of as explained above. Harpooning is the third method. A large harpoon is used to pierce large waste like a retired satellite, then it is reeled in and disposed of as we have already explained.

 

The net method has already been tried and it is an expensive procedure. Just that one trial had cost about $15million. This fund was raised by the European Union and the researchers called on other world leaders to take an active interest in this project. However, one issue that arose and still gives concern is that some materials survive the heat of re-entry.

 

See video of the net method in live-action as tweeted by the @techinsider:

 

 

Scientists are still looking for ways to permanently destroy such materials. They include Titanium and Steel. Disposing of them in the ocean is also not a good idea.

 

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Onwuasoanya Obinna

A reader of books and stringer of words. Passionate about Science and Tech. When not writing or reading he is surfing the web and Tweeting.

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