50 Key Space Debris Removed from Orbit Could Cut Global Navigation Risks by 50%

Removing 50 Objects from Orbit Would Cut Danger from Space Junk in Half SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — A new study presented at the International Astronautical Congress here has identified 50 pieces of space debris in low-Earth orbit that pose the greatest threat to global navigation and communication systems. According to Darren McKnight, lead author of the paper, removing these objects would cut the danger from space junk in half. "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 identified by McKnight and his coauthors are primarily dead rockets left to hurtle through space at the end of their missions. They are whizzing around the Earth at nearly 5 miles per second, flying in a heavily trafficked part of low-Earth orbit between 700 and 1,000 kilometers (435 to 621 miles) above the Earth. An impact with even a modestly sized object at orbital velocity would create more space junk, exacerbating the problem. "That's important to note, especially with some disturbing trends right now," McKnight said. The study highlights the need for international cooperation in addressing the issue of space debris. The United Nations has called on countries to adopt guidelines for responsible space activities, including measures to prevent collisions and mitigate the effects of space junk. McKnight noted that many of the objects identified are relics from the early days of space exploration, when safety protocols were not as stringent as they are today. "We're seeing a lot of old rocket bodies up there," he said. "It's a legacy problem." The study's findings have significant implications for global navigation and communication systems, which rely on satellites in low-Earth orbit to function. A collision with space debris could cause widespread disruptions to these services. The International Astronautical Congress is an annual gathering of space experts from around the world, where they discuss the latest developments in space exploration and technology. Background Space debris has become a growing concern for global navigation and communication systems, which rely on satellites in low-Earth orbit. The problem is exacerbated by the increasing number of launches and the lack of effective measures to prevent collisions and mitigate the effects of space junk. The United Nations has called on countries to adopt guidelines for responsible space activities, including measures to prevent collisions and mitigate the effects of space junk. However, progress has been slow, and many experts believe that more needs to be done to address the issue. Additional Perspectives Dr. Maria Zuber, a leading expert in space debris mitigation, noted that the study's findings highlight the need for international cooperation in addressing the issue of space debris. "This is not just a problem for one country or one organization," she said. "It's a global problem that requires a global solution." Current Status and Next Developments The study's findings are expected to inform discussions at the upcoming United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) meeting in Vienna, Austria. The committee will consider proposals for guidelines on responsible space activities, including measures to prevent collisions and mitigate the effects of space junk. In the meantime, experts are urging countries to take immediate action to address the issue of space debris. "We need to act now to prevent a catastrophic collision," McKnight said. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*