In the process of creating innovative space missions, we have created an environmental disaster consisting of spent rockets, derelict satellites, and debris. I have provided some links to articles on the problem and proposed solutions. I would like to sound off a bit from my own viewpoint:
We are holding onto two faulty notions: 1. Space is so vast that there is negligible risk of harmful interactions. 2. We are keeping track of large items so that we can avoid them. These notions are still invoked, despite the collision of two satellites in 2009.
We are accepting the unacceptable. It seems that we have not yet had a sufficiently serious incident. So far, no one has died from a space junk collision. The International Space Station needs to conduct an avoidance maneuver once a year on the average. Despite this, a hole has been discovered in one of its solar panels. Perhaps we should postpone crewed missions until we can provide a safer environment.
We need to stop leaving unused satellites in orbit. Every satellite should have a very reliable system (or multiple systems) to ensure that it can be deorbited when needed. These systems must able to work even if the main systems fail. If the deorbit system fails, the owner would need to pay for a retrieval mission.
We need to begin to collect hazardous fragments from orbit. This will require technologies which don’t exist at this time. The thousands of cataloged objects vary in their potential for damage, and in the longevity of their orbits. The ones with the greatest potential to do harm should be the object of our first efforts.
To summarize, we need to stop creating space junk, and we need to clean up what is already out there. We may never achieve perfection in either goal, but we need to get serious about keeping space clean and safe.
Keep lookin’ up!
John
(I hope that the tone of this essay isn’t too harsh. It is much milder than my earlier drafts!)
“There is a Lot of Empty Space..”
The Kessler Syndrome (When Debris Get Out of Control)
Real Simple Astronomy 