Ep 16. The (Slow) Crisis Of Space Junk
- June 9, 2021
PBS Space Time season 2021 episode 16 titled "The (Slow) Crisis Of Space Junk" delves into the growing problem of space debris orbiting Earth. The episode begins by highlighting the history of space exploration and how it led to the creation of space debris. Also, it emphasizes the impact of space debris on current and future space missions.
The episode delves deep into the different types of space debris. It explains how space junk ranges from old satellites and spent rocket stages to fragments of objects caused by collisions of larger debris. The show also emphasizes the dangers of space debris for humans and machines in space, including the International Space Station. The episode makes clear that throwing objects into space is the same as littering, and we need to address the space litter problem as a society.
Viewers will get an insight into the impact of space debris on space exploration and communication. The episode further shows the significant role played by space agencies, such as NASA, in ensuring space is free from debris. Moreover, it also highlights the efforts of private companies in developing tools to track space debris and capture it when necessary.
The episode then goes on to cover the challenges involved in removing space debris. The show highlights the immense cost and the technicalities of removing space debris since objects can travel at speeds of up to 56,000 km/h. Viewers will learn about the different methods being used to tackle the problem of space debris and the technical challenges associated with each approach.
PBS Space Time season 2021 episode 16 addresses the urgent need to address the space debris problem systematically. The episode emphasizes that space debris poses a critical danger to satellites and other objects in space, and it is vital to create a coordinated international approach to address the issue.
As the episode progresses, it also explores the different initiatives being taken by various space agencies to mitigate the problem of space debris. For instance, NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office, which tracks debris, and the ESA’s Clean Space Initiative, focused on designing satellites that can minimize debris generation, are some of the initiatives discussed in the show.
Viewers will get a chance to learn more about the initiatives directed towards mitigating space debris individually. For example, the episode discusses the Earth-i’s satellite that monitors air and space traffic to prevent potential satellite collisions. The episode also highlights how citizen-initiated projects, such as the Lost and Found initiative, are helping to track and remove space debris.
PBS Space Time season 2021 episode 16 teaches viewers about the potential dangers of leaving space debris untreated. The episode emphasizes that space litter could lead to catastrophic events, including collisions that could trigger a chain reaction of collisions or deny humans access to space orbital operations, and impact global communication and navigation systems.
In conclusion, the PBS Space Time season 2021 episode 16 titled "The (Slow) Crisis Of Space Junk" is an eye-opening portrayal of the growing problem of space debris. The episode depicts how space debris poses a danger to current and future space missions and highlights the need for coordinated global action. It is an insightful and informative piece that educates viewers about the impact of debris on space exploration and urges us all to be responsible for our space activities.
