The growing problem of space junk orbiting Earth is a concern for space experts and organizations worldwide.
A recent map highlights the amount of debris that is floating in space, representing potential “ticking time bombs” that may pose risks to space missions and even to security on Earth. Earth.
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It is even more challenging to comprehend the fact that these “ticking time bombs”, as some of the fragments have been called, have been occupying space in low Earth orbit in less than 75 years.
With more and more satellites being launched every day, including countless by billionaire tycoons like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, it becomes evident why governments and space agencies around the world are in a state of seizure.
Interactive map revealed the amount of space junk
O interactive map of LeoLabs revealed the location and trajectory of thousands of fragments of decommissioned satellites, rocket stages and other debris that are in orbit around the Earth.
These objects can range in size from small screws to larger pieces of equipment, posing a threat to active satellites and orbiting spacecraft.
O LeoLabs employs ground-based, phase-array-based radar systems, including a localization in Texas, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Alaska, with the objective of monitoring the orbit close to the Earth.
This advanced technology allows tracking and evaluation of any objects that pass through its observation area.
With this technology, it is possible to explore different regions of the world, zoom in or out to view debris in orbit over a specific country.
In addition, the interactive map also identifies those responsible for creating this debris, revealing the main culprits for its presence in space. In other words, there's no way to escape if someone has left space junk behind!
The United States is the nation responsible for the most space junk, which is not surprising considering NASA's track record in space launches and exploration, as well as the growth of private US companies such as SpaceX by Elon Musk, who launch satellites into space.
According to LeoLabs, there are currently 8,497 objects in low Earth orbit, including rocket bodies and debris, assigned to the United States. These numbers highlight the importance of properly monitoring and managing space junk to ensure the safety and sustainability of the space environment.
Next, we have Russia, with 4,836 objects in low Earth orbit, and China, with 4,047 objects. These three major space actors outnumber all other nations in terms of the amount of space junk, as the map reported.
It is noteworthy that Europe has the European Space Agency (ESA), which works together with individual countries to install rockets and develop space missions.
Although the ESA is not listed as a separate entity in the context of space debris, its efforts and contributions are also relevant to the management of the space environment.
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