Decluttering Our Skies: The Need for Outer Space Rubbish Clearance

Posted on 25/10/2025

Outer space, once thought to be an infinite and untouched expanse beyond Earth's atmosphere, has now become a bustling hub of human activity. With the increasing number of satellites, rockets, and space debris being launched into orbit, our skies have become cluttered with man-made objects. This not only poses a threat to the safety of current and future missions, but also raises concerns about the environmental impact of our actions in space. In this article, we will explore the need for outer space rubbish clearance and its importance in preserving our skies for generations to come.

The Current State of Our Skies

Currently, there are over 20,000 objects larger than 10cm orbiting the Earth, including active satellites, dead satellites, rocket bodies, and other debris. The majority of these objects are in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) region, which is situated between 200km and 2,000km above the Earth's surface. The rapid increase in space activity over the past few decades has led to a significant rise in orbital debris, posing a major threat to functioning satellites and future missions.

The Dangers of Orbital Debris

The presence of debris in space is not just a nuisance; it can have serious consequences for both current and future space missions. As these objects travel at speeds of up to 17,500mph, even small pieces can cause extensive damage on impact. This not only puts astronauts and cosmonauts at risk but also endangers expensive satellites and equipment.

Moreover, with limited resources available for space exploration, every piece of debris adds to the cost of future missions as they must be tracked and avoided. This also increases the chances of collisions between objects in orbit, leading to a domino effect that could create even more debris and further complicate future space activities.

Environmental Impact

In addition to posing threats to current and future space missions, orbital debris also has a negative impact on the environment. As objects in LEO eventually fall back to Earth, they can cause significant damage upon reentry. This was seen in 2019 when the European Space Agency's (ESA) GOCE satellite reentered the Earth's atmosphere and broke apart, scattering debris over the South Atlantic.

Moreover, as more satellites and rockets are launched into orbit, there is also a concern about the accumulation of non-biodegradable materials polluting the space environment. This could have long-term effects on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems, as well as hinder future attempts at space exploration.

The Need for Outer Space Rubbish Clearance

With the increase in space activities and the potential dangers that come with it, there is a pressing need for effective outer space rubbish clearance. This involves actively removing existing debris from orbit and implementing measures to prevent future accumulation of space junk.

One proposed solution is active debris removal using spacecraft equipped with nets or harpoons to capture and remove objects from orbit. The ESA has even successfully tested their prototype RemoveDEBRIS satellite, which uses a net to capture a simulated piece of debris.

Another approach is mitigation, which involves preventing further accumulation of debris by designing spacecraft to have shorter lifespans or deorbiting them at the end of their mission. This method has been widely adopted by space agencies such as NASA and ESA and has already shown promising results in reducing debris growth.

Pros and Cons

While there are clear benefits to implementing outer space rubbish clearance measures, there are also some drawbacks to consider. On one hand, it would help reduce the risks posed by orbital debris and contribute to a safer environment for current and future missions. It would also demonstrate responsible behavior towards our shared outer space resources.

On the other hand, these solutions require significant financial resources and advanced technology, making it challenging for developing countries or private companies to participate in the effort. There are also concerns about who would bear the responsibility and costs of removing debris that does not belong to a specific entity.

Tips and Takeaways

As individuals, we may feel powerless in the face of this mounting issue. However, there are simple steps we can take to reduce our contribution to space junk. Properly disposing of electronic waste, encouraging responsible behavior among space agencies and companies, and supporting research for sustainable solutions are just a few ways we can make a difference.

Additionally, it is crucial for governments and space agencies to work together to create and enforce regulations for responsible space activities. This would ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions and contribute to the overall effort of preserving our skies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the number of objects orbiting Earth continues to grow, the need for outer space rubbish clearance becomes more urgent. Not only does it pose a threat to current and future missions, but also has negative consequences on the environment. It is essential for us to address this issue now and take collective action towards cleaner skies in order to secure a sustainable future for space exploration. By implementing effective measures and promoting responsible behavior, we can declutter our skies and pave the way for successful and safe ventures into outer space.