Space Junk: The Growing Threat to Earth's Orbit

The video discusses the issue of space debris, which includes thousands of objects orbiting Earth, from small fragments to large satellites. Since the launch of Sputnik in 1956, the number of objects in orbit has increased, leading to a significant amount of space junk. This debris poses a threat to spacecraft and satellites, as collisions can cause explosions and further debris. Efforts are being made to mitigate these risks, including guidelines for deorbiting redundant satellites. The European Space Agency is actively addressing the issue, but concerns remain about the potential for future collisions if mitigation measures are not followed.

What was the primary purpose of many satellites launched in the 1980s?

• Communication

• Weather monitoring

• Spy missions

• Scientific research

What can result from space debris or micrometeorites crashing into old fuel-laden boosters?

• They cause explosions

• They create new satellites

• They burn up in the atmosphere

• They fall back to Earth

What was the outcome of the simulation involving a small sphere hitting an aluminum block?

• The block remained intact

• The block melted

• The block was shattered

• The rear face of the block was detached

What is one of the guidelines in place to manage space debris?

• Deorbiting redundant satellites promptly

• Ignoring small debris

• Building larger satellites

• Increasing satellite launches

What is a concern if debris mitigation measures are not followed?

• Earth's atmosphere will be cleaner

• Satellites will become cheaper

• Collisions could become common

• Space travel will become faster