<June Monthly Report> < Space Environment and Pollution >by Vani Miglani | 27-06-2023 14:08 |
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 Stars in Peril: Unveiling the Threat of Space Pollution Have you ever looked up at the night sky, filled with twinkling stars and wondered about the secrets that lie beyond the seen? What if that vast expanse of space, seemingly untouched and distant, is not as undefiled as it appears? What if, amidst that celestial beauty, a silent danger lurks—one that poses a threat not only to our technological advancements but also to our very existence? GPS systems guiding us through unknown streets, satellite TVs bringing entertainment to our doorstep and meteorological services accurately predicting the weather – these conveniences have seamlessly integrated into our lives, connecting us to the world. Today, however, the very backbone of these technological marvels is under threat due to space contamination. One of the most tangible impacts of space contamination is the generation of space debris. With each satellite launch, rocket launch, and space mission, we add to the growing cloud of debris that now orbits our planet. A recent study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has revealed alarming statistics about the state of space debris. It is estimated that there are currently over 20,000 pieces of debris larger than a softball, and millions of smaller pieces that are harder to track. These fragments, ranging from spent rocket stages to defunct satellites, pose a significant threat to operational satellites. Collisions between debris and functioning satellites can lead to catastrophic failures in vital services like communication, weather monitoring, and navigation systems. Furthermore, it is important to consider that space contamination also poses risks to human health and safety. Astronauts, the explorers who venture beyond our atmosphere, face the perils of space contamination first-hand. According to the research conducted by NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office even small fragments of debris can cause significant damage to spacecraft and pose a threat to astronauts' safety. The confined environment of a spacecraft can expose them to microscopic pollutants that can have detrimental effects on their well-being. The environmental impact of space contamination extends beyond the boundaries of our planet. Chemicals and propellants released into space contribute to ozone depletion and greenhouse gas emissions, affecting ecosystems worldwide. The consequences of our actions in space reverberate back to Earth, heightening climate change and reminding us of the interconnectedness of our planet and the responsibility we bear towards protecting it. To address this critical issue, it is crucial for nations to come together and collaborate. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can develop and deploy advanced technologies like active removal systems and safer spacecraft designs to mitigate the accumulation of space debris. Along with this, enacting stricter regulations and guidelines will ensure responsible practices and prevent the release of harmful substances into space. As individuals, we also have a role to play by supporting sustainable space initiatives and advocating for responsible exploration. In a nutshell, space contamination is not a distant concern but an immediate threat that directly impacts our lives. From disrupted services to potential health risks and environmental consequences, the implications are far-reaching. It is imperative for us to acknowledge the urgency of this issue and take collective action to pave way for a cleaner and safer space environment, ensuring the continued exploration and utilization of outer space for generations to come. Reference List 1. MIT News. (2019, May 6). Space sustainability rating system could help mitigate space debris. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2019/space-sustainability-rating-system-mitigate-debris-0506 2. NASA. (n.d.). Orbital Debris. Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html 3. NASA Orbital Debris Program Office. (n.d.). Space Debris and Human Spacecraft. Retrieved from https://www.orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/what.html 4. United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). (n.d.). Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Retrieved from https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/space-debris/index.html |
