I got back from a Jefferson Society Meeting, where a speaker from NASA explained the effects of Satellites, them falling apart, nations destroying them in space, on our ventures in space. I didn't realize that over 2,000 satellites (man made) were orbiting the earth, and that when they weren't being used, most were remaining in space. Sometimes nations even destroyed old satellites with missles, not taking the time or effort to remove such satellite from space. Unfortunately, such destruction of a satellite can have detremental effects on Space and our exploration of the galaxy. (and by our, I mean mankind). Such destruction causes millions of tiny particles to be spread over space, still orbiting the earth, and can remain there for even up to 100s of years! These pieces can move at speeds such as 7 km per second and can break through whatever they run into. These particles have posed issues for the Space station, which requires protective layering to be reapplied often, other satellites, which can be destroyed by these parts ramming into it, hurt space shuttles coming into space, and other important aspects of space exploration.
With over 2,000 satellites, destroying one can lead to the destruction of more, with leftover parts of satellites ramming into others. This can destroy more property important to Space Researchers all over the world, and can cause more satellites to break- and more debris circling the planet. Right now, a huge ring of satellites and their leftovers challenge space stations everywhere. Windows from flight shuttles can be destroyed, space stations have to be guarded and meneuvered away from large debris orbiting the earth, and satellites can be damaged permanently.
The U.S. and other Nations have banded together to try to solve the issues of Debris around the earth created by Satellites and products used in space while on missions. The U.N. has worked together to attempt to put regulations to require governments to make satellites have a way to be taken out of orbit and out of commission after 25 years without causing any damage or further satellite debris to be created.
Even if we do not launch any more satellites, debris will continue to build up as more particles run into satellites, creating more debris. This will challenge researchers like NASA from carrying out Space Missions due to hazards of sending the craft out to make it to the space station. Astronauts that are working outside the Space Station can be injured by these high-speed debris particles, and their means of transport and study can be damaged/destroyed by the debris.
By allowing the regulations to take place, we can help prevent worsening the already progressing issue. Right now, the government, NASA, and the UN must work on (and are) finding a way to remove current unutilized satellites and space debris from around the Earth's orbit. We must keep Space clean and able to explore for future generations!
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