Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Space Junk The Target Of New Scottish Stardust Project

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


John P. Millis, Ph.D. for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online

In late 2011 the National Research Council released a report stating that the amount of “space junk” orbiting the Earth had reached a tipping point. Since the 1960s, as the United States and others began launching satellites and rockets into space, the region known as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) has become increasingly crowded.

The problem has become so significant that, when the Space Shuttle fleet was still operating, NASA averaged two window replacements on the orbiters after each mission because of collisions with space debris.

Collisions have also permanently damaged satellites and even threatened the International Space Station (ISS). Space agencies have begun to address the problem, and the US Air Force, in 2010, launched a $800 million program to help track the more than 500,000 individual pieces of space junk thought to be in LEO.

Tracking Space Junk

While programs have found some success, limitations in resources and technology restrict our ability to identify all of the debris. Currently, space agencies actively track about 22,000 pieces of space junk; many of these items are disused satellites, small asteroids, and various manmade components left over from earlier missions.

It is not just large, easy to track debris that is the problem however; these tend to be easier to track and satellites and manned craft can usually be maneuvered to avoid them. More worrisome are pieces as small as a centimeter that can pack a mighty punch simply because of the velocities at which they travel.

With so much junk in LEO, agencies are currently developing strategies to deal with the growing problem. Recently, Scotland launched the $4.8 billion Stardust project to develop and execute a long-term strategy for dealing with space junk that will most likely threaten current and future missions.

The Solution

A significant portion of the funds will be spent on developing ways to track the space debris. But more importantly, new ways to actually deal with the junk that is identified will be investigated over the next four years.

One technology being discussed uses high powered laser beams to vaporize debris, while other proposals call for collecting the debris and moving it to a “graveyard orbit” where satellites and manned space craft never operate.

Whichever technology is ultimately selected, the importance of the work cannot be undervalued. As more countries push forward with space programs, LEO is becoming more littered with space junk that could threaten technology or, worse, human life. This problem has been ignored for far too long; but steps are finally being taken to correct it.

redOrbit.com
offers Science, Space, Technology, Health news, videos, images and
reference information. For the latest science news, space news,
technology news, health news visit redOrbit.com frequently. Learn
something new every day.\”


Source:


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.