As space race zooms junk in Earth’s orbit, US Space Command shares ‘responsible space behaviours’
space junk
As humanity reaches out towards space, thousands of commercial satellites are being launched into Earth's orbit. The launch of these satellites at a record, breakneck speed has also spurred a growing swarm of space debris, which has become the cause of concern for governments and private companies alike. In a bid to establish norms in the orbit, the US Space Command on Friday released a formal list of what it considers "responsible space behaviours."
Watch |Expanding problem of space debris: What is space junk? Why is it a problem?
The norms, as per Reuters, comprise a section on space debris urging space players to dispose of defunct satellites safely. It also calls on companies to notify other operators if any problems with their spacecraft might pose a debris hazard.
"You have to find a way to allow the economy to grow in the space domain, and in order to do that you need to make sure that it remains sustainable," said Brigadier General Richard Zellmann, deputy director of the command's operations unit while talking to Reuters.
Also read |NASA Perseverance rover's pictures raise question: Can humanity be trusted with other planets?
)
Plastic clouds found hovering over two major Chinese cities shock scientists
)
Lavrov claims Greenland is not a natural part of Norway or Denmark
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Anne Hathaway: Iconic women dressed by Valentino
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Before Greenland, there was the Suez Crisis: What happened when US turned against Europe?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who would win? Comparing the air power of the Israel and Iran in case of a war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From B2 Bombers to Tomahawks: How the US could hit Iran next
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Rare earths and Arctic security: How is China involved in Greenland’s Kvanefjeld project?
)
War over Greenland soon? America's Arctic-trained 11th airborne division on standby as more Danish troops arrive
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Trump shares new American map including Canada and Greenland as its part; Meloni, Macron watch
)
‘Snow apocalypse’: Record snowfall buries buildings, towns in Russia’s Kamchatka – WATCH
)
Russia’s ‘snow apocalypse’ takes over social media: Locals jump out of windows, dig out building entrances | WATCH
"Key to that is going to be ensuring that we can either solve that debris problem or at least mitigate it to the point that it's acceptable," he added.
The private sector, too, is attempting to control littering in orbit. Reportedly, Neumann Space, anAustralia-based company, is developing technology that could help recycle old defunct satellites into fuel. A test satellite may be launched in coming June this year.
Also read |Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test
"It's great because you can do mission extension by refuelling with what's already in space," said Neumann Chief Executive Herve Astier. "Using the metal that's already there, that's a way to move forward in terms of sustainability," he added.
Another firm, Tokyo-based Astroscale, is testing a debris-removing device called ELSA. The device latches onto defunct satellites and drags them towards Earth's atmosphere, where they undergo a fiery disposal upon entering the planet's atmosphere.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
