Space Junk and Its Implications

The video discusses the growing problem of space junk, with over 128 million objects orbiting Earth. It highlights the dangers posed by even small debris to satellites and the International Space Station. The increase in satellite launches, especially by companies like SpaceX and Amazon, raises the risk of collisions, potentially leading to the Kessler Syndrome, where space becomes unusable. Solutions like the RemoveDEBRIS satellite and ESA's ClearSpace mission aim to tackle larger debris, but smaller pieces remain a challenge. Monitoring and innovative solutions are crucial to prevent future risks.

What is the primary concern with space junk orbiting Earth?

• It can cause global warming.

• It poses a threat to satellites and space missions.

• It can interfere with radio signals.

• It can block sunlight from reaching Earth.

How many satellites were launched into low Earth orbit in 2020?

• 42,000

• 1,283

• 11,140

• 3,370

Which company plans to send a constellation of 42,000 satellites into orbit?

• Amazon

• Telesat

• SpaceX

• OneWeb

What was the first documented collision involving space debris?

• A French satellite hit by debris from a French rocket

• A U.S. satellite colliding with a Chinese satellite

• A Russian satellite hit by a meteor

• An Indian satellite colliding with space junk

What is the Kessler Syndrome?

• A type of satellite orbit

• A method to clean up space debris

• A chain reaction of collisions creating more space junk

• A phenomenon where space debris burns up in the atmosphere

What technology did the RemoveDEBRIS satellite use to capture space junk?

• A net and harpoon

• A robotic arm

• A laser beam

• A magnetic field

Which organization awarded a contract to ClearSpace for debris removal?

• SpaceX

• Roscosmos

• European Space Agency

• NASA

What is a major challenge in dealing with smaller pieces of space debris?

• They are located too far from Earth.

• They are too small to track and capture.

• They are too heavy to move.

• They are protected by international law.

What is one proposed method to deal with space junk?

• Burying it on the Moon

• Launching it into deep space

• Dragging debris into Earth's atmosphere to burn up

• Using a giant magnet

What is essential for preventing future space collisions?

• Building larger satellites

• Reducing satellite launches

• Increasing the number of space missions

• Monitoring space with observatories