Planet Earth's trash is more than enough for us to deal with, but that doesn’t mean we should forget about the mess we've left behind in space. Space junk presents a potential threat to functioning spacecraft because not only is there plenty of it (tens of thousands of pieces … [Read more...] about 3 Smart solutions to space junk
Space junk
Scientists test new technology to clean up space junk from Earth’s orbit
From large rocket parts to tiny shards of metal from accidental collisions and explosions, space junk is becoming increasingly problematic. As these pieces of debris fly around at about 18,000 mph, they pose a real safety risk to the astronauts aboard the International Space … [Read more...] about Scientists test new technology to clean up space junk from Earth’s orbit
Why Japanese scientists are developing satellites made of wood
According to the World Economic Forum, there are nearly 6,000 satellites circling the Earth at the moment. About 60 percent of them are no longer operational, meaning that they are nothing else than space junk flying at incredible speeds. Experts have warned of the increasing … [Read more...] about Why Japanese scientists are developing satellites made of wood
New technique allows scientists to track space junk in orbit
Millions of pieces of space junk — everything from decommissioned satellites to broken pieces of rockets — are zipping around in Earth's orbit right now. This debris is moving nearly 10 times faster than a bullet, and a collision with a piece as small as one centimeter could … [Read more...] about New technique allows scientists to track space junk in orbit