[Discussion] Cleaning up the space junk?

[george7378]

I think the best solution would be to use a pulse laser to eliminate small debris (a ~10cm object could be de-orbited in a single pass with a decent laser), and then to make sure that future large satellites have some kind of backup engine or additional fuel on board to de-orbit them before they die.

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SPACE.com: How Huffing and Puffing Could Remove Space Junk

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SPACE.com: Spacecraft Repair Droids Could Give Satellites Longer Lives:

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ViviSat's Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) is being designed to dock to satellites in orbit, and then use its own thrusters to provide propulsion and attitude control. Among other functions, the spacecraft will be able to adjust an older satellite's orbit, rescue fully fueled satellites that may have launched into the wrong location, or move a satellite into a different orbit for a completely new purpose.

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Astromech droids.

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SPACE.com: Space Junk Hazards Force International Response:

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Time is running out to get serious about fixing the problem of space debris, experts say.

As more countries around the world build up their space capabilities, U.S. lawmakers are keen to address the growing issue of potentially harmful debris in orbit. But while policies have attempted to tackle the problem, no major strides have been made.

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ESA: ESA’s Clean Space targets orbital debris and greener environment

[Delta4]

I think that a large, magnetic satellite dish-shaped piece of very sturdy mesh should be sent to orbit, with an RCS, and scoop everything up like a strainer. It folds up and deorbits. Problem solved.

[Capt_hensley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta4

 I think that a large, magnetic satellite dish-shaped piece of very sturdy mesh should be sent to orbit, with an RCS, and scoop everything up like a strainer. It folds up and deorbits. Problem solved.

The trouble is not the large objects... it's the very small, paint chips, aluminum, fiberglass shreds, nylon tabs, straps, and insulation. But nice thought.

I was thinking about a giant thick gel sticky pad, made of some exotic alloy reenforced carbon-carbon, Hasteloy-X, impact resistant, energy absorbing honeycomb structure thingy-majig!.

[Keatah]

The problem I see is that these metallic and futuristic nets have to be huge! Hundreds or thousands of sq km to be effective.

[Capt_hensley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keatah

 The problem I see is that these metallic and futuristic nets have to be huge! Hundreds or thousands of sq km to be effective.

Huge works, but huge and fast would be better, even with acres of a "trap" "net" or what ever, if it's slow it would still take too long to be of any real benifit. Something that could travel at 50,000km per second would be a great start. Several somethings on this scale even better!

PS. 299,792.458 kilometers per second is the speed of light.

[palebluevoice]

How about we just do this? Two problems solved.

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SPACE.com: Space Junk: Tracking & Removing Orbital Debris

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Universe Today: Space Junk: Ideas for Cleaning up Earth Orbit

[Nexiss]

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And one more thing, about money.. Money is no more than a means for smarter people to control dumber people. Once our species gets rid of that notion(and the accompanying politics) then perhaps true space exploration can get underway.

Ah at last people are waking up, but the smart people are not that smart after all, because they thought they could get away with it forever, but the current global economic problems are an indication that their world is crumbling and is not sustainable, I feel the "dumber" (for want of a better word) will come out on top.

[fort]

Cleaning up the space junk?

Newly released UFO files from the UK government

http://ufos.nationalarchives.gov.uk/

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SpaceRef: Dialog on Satellite Servicing and Debris Removal