Removing 50 high-risk space objects from orbit could halve collision danger

Removing 50 Objects from Orbit Would Cut Danger from Space Junk in Half SYDNEY, Australia - A recent study has identified the top 50 most concerning pieces of space debris in low-Earth orbit (LEO), with experts warning that removing these objects would significantly reduce the risk of collisions and subsequent creation of more space junk. According to Darren McKnight, lead author of a paper presented at the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, 76% of the identified objects were deposited last century. "The things left before 2000 are still the majority of the problem," McKnight said. "Seventy-six percent of the objects in the top 50 were deposited last century, and 88 percent of the objects are rocket bodies." The 50 objects, primarily dead rockets from past missions, are whizzing around the Earth at nearly 5 miles per second in a heavily trafficked part of LEO between 700 and 1,000 kilometers above the Earth. An impact with even a modestly sized object at orbital velocity would create a catastrophic chain reaction, further polluting the already congested space environment. The study highlights disturbing trends in space debris accumulation, with many countries contributing to the problem through their space activities. "It's not just one country or one agency; it's a global issue," McKnight said. "We need international cooperation and coordination to address this problem." Background on the issue of space debris dates back to the 1960s, when the first satellites were launched into orbit. Since then, thousands of objects have been left in space, including rocket bodies, satellite fragments, and other debris. The problem has grown exponentially with the increasing number of launches and the lack of effective de-orbiting procedures. Experts warn that the situation is becoming increasingly dire, with some predicting a catastrophic collision between two large pieces of debris within the next few years. "We're playing a game of cosmic roulette," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a space debris expert from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "If we don't take action soon, the consequences will be severe." The removal of the 50 identified objects would significantly reduce the risk of collisions and subsequent creation of more space junk. However, experts acknowledge that this is just a small step towards addressing the larger problem. Efforts are underway to develop technologies for de-orbiting satellites and other debris, but progress has been slow. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) have launched initiatives to promote international cooperation and coordination on space debris mitigation. As the world continues to rely on space-based technologies for communication, navigation, and scientific research, the need for effective space debris management has never been more pressing. Removing the 50 most concerning pieces of space debris in LEO would be a crucial step towards reducing the danger from space junk, but it is just one part of a larger effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of space exploration. By [Author's Name] *Reporting by Arstechnica.*