The Growing Problem of Space Debris: How We Can Clean Up Earth's Orbit and Beyond
Space junk has become an ever-growing problem over the past few decades, and now the situation is becoming more serious. According to recent research from the University of Surrey, more than 126 million pieces of space debris now orbit the Earth, with an estimated 8,000 potentially hazardous objects coming dangerously close to Earth. Scientists are now exploring ways to mitigate this growing problem, including the creation of a ‘space debris belt’ around the Moon.
The University of Surrey’s research suggests that a space junk belt around the Moon could be an effective way to deal with the issue. The belt would be made up of a wall of debris and satellites that could be used to capture and remove space junk from Earth’s orbit. This would reduce the risk of collisions with satellites and other spacecraft, making space exploration and research safer. While the concept is still in its early stages, the researchers believe that it could be a viable solution for managing the growing problem of space debris.
source: Phys.org