Modern World 17
1 We have a problem in space. More specifically, we have a problem in low Earth orbit (LEO), the area of space between 160 kilometers and 2,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. After decades of humans sending satellites and rockets into space, this area has become filled with debris.
2 This space junk is mostly made up of old satellites and rockets from previous launches, and there are more than 17,000 other objects that are larger than a coffee cup. If one of these objects hits a working satellite, the results could be catastrophic. As LEO gets more and more crowded with debris and new satellites, it’s only a matter of time before a collision occurs. Another hazard is that these objects could explode, either because they have leftover fuel or partially charged batteries that have been heated up by the sun. If this happens, there will be even more debris.
3 In an effort to avoid these scenarios, scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) have started the Clean Space initiative. The goal of Clean Space is to support and promote the preservation of the space around Earth, making sure there is a safe zone where satellites can operate. The key to doing this, of course, is to make sure the amount of space junk doesn’t become too great, and to clean up some of the junk that is already there.
4 To help achieve this goal, the ESA is working on the e.DeOrbit satellite. This satellite can be thought of as a space garbage truck. It will use sophisticated sensors and autonomous controls to find debris in the crowded area of space above Earth’s poles.
5 The e.DeOrbit’s first test will be to find and capture a piece of space debris that weighs at least 4,000 kilograms. Several devices for capturing the debris have been studied, including nets, robotic arms, and octopus-like tentacles. However, the most promising solution might be to use an ancient tool ― the harpoon. It might be the best option for cleaning up space since it can capture any object, regardless of the object’s size, shape, or motion, and it can also be used from a distance. Once the object has been captured, it can be moved out of LEO.
6 The ESA hopes to launch the e.DeOrbit satellite in 2021. In the meantime, they are continuing to test harpoon designs to see if this traditional tool might have some very modern applications.
2 This space junk is mostly made up of old satellites and rockets from previous launches, and there are more than 17,000 other objects that are larger than a coffee cup. If one of these objects hits a working satellite, the results could be catastrophic. As LEO gets more and more crowded with debris and new satellites, it’s only a matter of time before a collision occurs. Another hazard is that these objects could explode, either because they have leftover fuel or partially charged batteries that have been heated up by the sun. If this happens, there will be even more debris.
3 In an effort to avoid these scenarios, scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) have started the Clean Space initiative. The goal of Clean Space is to support and promote the preservation of the space around Earth, making sure there is a safe zone where satellites can operate. The key to doing this, of course, is to make sure the amount of space junk doesn’t become too great, and to clean up some of the junk that is already there.
4 To help achieve this goal, the ESA is working on the e.DeOrbit satellite. This satellite can be thought of as a space garbage truck. It will use sophisticated sensors and autonomous controls to find debris in the crowded area of space above Earth’s poles.
5 The e.DeOrbit’s first test will be to find and capture a piece of space debris that weighs at least 4,000 kilograms. Several devices for capturing the debris have been studied, including nets, robotic arms, and octopus-like tentacles. However, the most promising solution might be to use an ancient tool ― the harpoon. It might be the best option for cleaning up space since it can capture any object, regardless of the object’s size, shape, or motion, and it can also be used from a distance. Once the object has been captured, it can be moved out of LEO.
6 The ESA hopes to launch the e.DeOrbit satellite in 2021. In the meantime, they are continuing to test harpoon designs to see if this traditional tool might have some very modern applications.
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