Space junk crisis: 13,000 tonnes of debris in orbit demands solutions across technology, policy, and philosophy
By
Alice Gorman
Summary
The article examines the growing problem of space debris in Earth's orbit, noting that from just one natural satellite 70 years ago, we now have over 15,000 satellites — most owned by SpaceX — with plans for megaconstellations of up to one million more. It argues that solving the space junk crisis requires coordinated action across three fronts: technological solutions (like debris removal systems), policy and regulatory frameworks (international agreements and enforcement), and philosophical shifts in how we view our relationship with space and orbital environments.
Source
bskySpace junk crisis: 13,000 tonnes of debris in orbit demands solutions across technology, policy, and philosophytheconversation.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledSeventy years ago, Earth had only one satellite: the Moon. Now it has more than 15,000 – about 10,000 of which are owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX.
But more satellites means more space junk, which is already threatening critical infrastructure we rely on every day.
Addressing this problem effectively requires work across three fronts: technology, policy and philosophy.
You might also wanna read

Scientists raise concerns over SpaceX's proposal to launch one million satellites, citing risks to night sky, space access, and atmosphere
Scientists are raising alarms about SpaceX's proposal to launch up to one million satellites into Earth orbit. The concerns center on three
Satellites Orbiting Earth: Ownership and Uses
The article discusses the vast number of satellites orbiting Earth, their diverse uses, and the entities that own them. It highlights the pr
dewesoft.com·11mo agoSpaceX has launched more satellites than all other entities combined since 1957
SpaceX has achieved a historic milestone, having launched more satellites (15,262) than all other organizations and companies combined (15,1
China Files Plans for 200,000+ Internet Satellites Amid Space Resource Concerns
Chinese companies have filed submissions with the International Telecommunication Union to launch over 200,000 internet satellites, with two
Report: China's abandoned rocket bodies in low Earth orbit pose growing collision risk to satellites
A new report from space monitoring firm LeoLabs reveals that China has been increasingly abandoning used rocket stages in low Earth orbit (L
SpaceX Deorbits 1-2 Starlink Satellites Daily Through Atmospheric Incineration
SpaceX is deorbiting approximately one or two Starlink satellites daily through atmospheric incineration, a number expected to increase as t

Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.