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The most realistic solution for space junk deorbiting I've seen is the recently tested electromagnetic tether ("Terminator tape"). It is a passive solution that

The most realistic solution for space junk deorbiting I've seen is the recently tested electromagnetic tether ("Terminator tape"). It is a passive solution that does not require an external spacecraft, and could be activated by a satellite operator when a satellite reaches the end of its lifespan. Perhaps, such system should be made mandatory, maybe even going as far as adding a dead man switch for its automatic activation in case the satellite becomes uncontrollable and stops responding to the commands from the Earth. But even with this solution removing high orbit debris still remains a hard problem. https://www.tethers.com/deorbit-systems/ https://www.tethers.com/deorbit-systems/ https://spacenews.com/tethers-unlimited-terminator-tape-smallsat-2021/ https://spacenews.com/tethers-unlimited-terminator-tape-smal...

SonicScrub 5y ago
This would work great for defunct satellites, but does nothing to solve the bigger space-junk danger: random bits and pieces of things from stage separations and previous collisions that are difficult to track. Definitely a step in the right direction, but it won't solve the largest threat.
- spywaregorilla 5y ago
  They shouldn't be difficult to track by an object in space with a laser I would think? edit: curious why the downvotes? Would a device in space with a LIDAR type of device not be very well suited to tracking small objects that are difficult to identify with cameras from earth?
  - bagels 5y ago
    It's difficult and expensive. Ground based radar is the best way.
  - nexuist 5y ago
    The problem with this kind of system is that it isn't retroactive; all space junk currently in space will remain in space even if the tether device is mandated. And it's unlikely it gets mandated and approved by all spacefaring governments anytime soon.
everyone 5y ago
This is the most promising idea I've heard of... https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac/gregory_space_debris_elimination.html https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac...
- codetrotter 5y ago
  Page last updated 2011 according to the footer. Has there been any results of the project, and is it still active?
- legutierr 5y ago
  So the solution is to eject our atmosphere into space in order to eliminate space junk? Space junk constantly increases over time, so more and more pulses are required to clear out the junk, so more and more of our atmosphere is ejected into space for this purpose. There is absolutely no way that this could go wrong.
  - h2odragon 5y ago
    Bad news for you: The moon steals tons of our atmosphere every year... Far more gets lost past that.
    - legutierr 5y ago
      Bad news for all of us, to be frank.
      - spiderice 5y ago
        Is it? Does it actually matter? Serious question.
        h2odragon 5y ago
        I dont think it matters in the timespan of our species probable use for this planet. However. Don't let that stop you from donating to my just launching "venture NGO" to study the feasibility of protecting the earth's atmosphere by wrapping it in a big paper sack: which will sequester carbon, preserve our Precious Planetary Gasses, shade us from the Sun's evil ultraviolet rays and other harmful radiation, and vastly stimulate the economy. We expect to raise $2 billion to commence the first study sometime in 2084. Interesting links: https://www.space.com/earth-atmosphere-extends-beyond-moon.html https://www.space.com/earth-atmosphere-extends-beyond-moon.h... and this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_Earth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_Earth suggests that the changing composition of the atmosphere at ~600 million years is probably a more immediate problem
bagels 5y ago
There are on the order of... 10s of thousands of intentional satellites. There are millions of pieces of debris. It's useful for preventing future debris from dead satellites perhaps, but doesn't address the large number of existing objects which are currently the problem.

SonicScrub 5y ago

This would work great for defunct satellites, but does nothing to solve the bigger space-junk danger: random bits and pieces of things from stage separations and previous collisions that are difficult to track. Definitely a step in the right direction, but it won't solve the largest threat.

spywaregorilla 5y ago
They shouldn't be difficult to track by an object in space with a laser I would think? edit: curious why the downvotes? Would a device in space with a LIDAR type of device not be very well suited to tracking small objects that are difficult to identify with cameras from earth?
- bagels 5y ago
  It's difficult and expensive. Ground based radar is the best way.
- nexuist 5y ago
  The problem with this kind of system is that it isn't retroactive; all space junk currently in space will remain in space even if the tether device is mandated. And it's unlikely it gets mandated and approved by all spacefaring governments anytime soon.

everyone 5y ago

This is the most promising idea I've heard of... https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac/gregory_space_debris_elimination.html https://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac...

codetrotter 5y ago
Page last updated 2011 according to the footer. Has there been any results of the project, and is it still active?
legutierr 5y ago
So the solution is to eject our atmosphere into space in order to eliminate space junk? Space junk constantly increases over time, so more and more pulses are required to clear out the junk, so more and more of our atmosphere is ejected into space for this purpose. There is absolutely no way that this could go wrong.
- h2odragon 5y ago
  Bad news for you: The moon steals tons of our atmosphere every year... Far more gets lost past that.
  - legutierr 5y ago
    Bad news for all of us, to be frank.
    - spiderice 5y ago
      Is it? Does it actually matter? Serious question.
      - h2odragon 5y ago
        I dont think it matters in the timespan of our species probable use for this planet. However. Don't let that stop you from donating to my just launching "venture NGO" to study the feasibility of protecting the earth's atmosphere by wrapping it in a big paper sack: which will sequester carbon, preserve our Precious Planetary Gasses, shade us from the Sun's evil ultraviolet rays and other harmful radiation, and vastly stimulate the economy. We expect to raise $2 billion to commence the first study sometime in 2084. Interesting links: https://www.space.com/earth-atmosphere-extends-beyond-moon.html https://www.space.com/earth-atmosphere-extends-beyond-moon.h... and this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_Earth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_of_Earth suggests that the changing composition of the atmosphere at ~600 million years is probably a more immediate problem

bagels 5y ago

There are on the order of... 10s of thousands of intentional satellites. There are millions of pieces of debris. It's useful for preventing future debris from dead satellites perhaps, but doesn't address the large number of existing objects which are currently the problem.