Space Debris – what is it and how can we get rid of it?

RESERVATION REQUIRED

Over the past six decades, about 16,000 spacecraft have been launched, many of which remain in space today. This has also led to a growing number of unintended objects in Earth’s orbit.

Today, it is assumed that more than 1 million objects larger than 1 cm are orbiting Earth. By nature, all the objects have a very high velocity, thus causing significant damage to functional spacecraft upon collision.

This talk will clarify the origin of space debris and address prevention practices of today. Furthermore, it will explain methods to detect and keep track of space debris in order to prevent collisions with active, manoeuvrable spacecraft. The current risk levels will be assessed and shielding options discussed. Finally, it will outline developments to actively remove space debris, paving the way to more futuristic action in space to repair and recycle space objects.

Dr Holger Krag leads the Space Safety Programme office of the European Space Agency (ESA), which encompasses activities in space debris, space weather and planetary defence.