In the vast expanse of space, human-made objects have accumulated at an alarming rate, posing a significant threat to sustainable exploration practices. Dr. Moriba Jah, an astrodynamicist and space environmentalist, has been sounding the alarm about this issue for years. According to him, approximately 90% of the human-made objects in space are useless and can become hazardous junk that threatens to smash into other objects, generating more debris. This phenomenon is known as orbital clutter or space debris.
Jah has been advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable space exploration practices, specifically a circular space economy. This approach involves solutions like satellite reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal to minimize waste and maximize sustainability in space missions. His work has gained attention from various organizations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
The importance of sustainable space practices became evident when a defunct Russian satellite, Cosmos 2221, came close to colliding with NASA's Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics Mission (TIMED) spacecraft. This near-collision highlighted the potential hazards of orbital debris and the need for better understanding and mitigation strategies.
One organization leading the charge in this area is Climate TRACE, founded by Gavin McCormick. They use publicly available satellite images to detect emissions from power plants worldwide using AI algorithms. Satellites like MethaneSAT, launched by SpaceX for the Environmental Defense Fund, play a crucial role in monitoring climate emissions and ensuring that governments and companies are meeting their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite these advancements, it is essential to remain vigilant about the potential dangers of space debris. The circular space economy offers promising solutions for sustainable exploration practices, but it requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders involved in space missions.
