Max Polyakov Sounds the Alarm over Growing Threat to Low Earth Orbit
The current boom in the space technology sector can be attributed to the growth in small-scale commercial rocket launches sending satellites into Earth’s orbit, such as those led by entrepreneur Max Polyakov. From agriculture to energy, many industries are leveraging the potential of satellites to help boost productivity and realize new potential applications.
However, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) zone occupied by the majority of these satellites is facing a growing threat that could render LEO inhospitable to satellites in the near future. This threat comes from the accumulation of debris and junk generated by all of mankind’s previous space operations. If left unchecked, this debris field could halt the space industry in its tracks. So, where does this threat come from, and how can the aerospace community overcome it?
The Sources of Space Debris in LEO
Low Earth Orbit is a region of near-Earth space located just above our atmosphere at roughly 2,000 km above sea level. Any spacecraft wishing to pass into a higher orbit has to pass LEO, which is why it’s so critical to future space exploits to keep the area clear. Today, there are around 2,200 functioning satellites in orbit around Earth, but they have to share space with approximately 7,000,000 kgs of space debris.
The source of this debris is often dead satellites that have passed out of use, but launch components from other spacecraft like interstages and booster units also contribute large pieces of debris. The problem is compounded by the so-called “Kessler syndrome,” where pieces of debris moving at speeds of 18,000 kilometers per hour smash into each other. This process of fragmentation leads to an exponential increase in the number of individual debris objects in LEO, making it more likely for a piece of space junk to collide with a functioning spacecraft.
The Dangers of Space Pollution
Even the smallest piece of space debris can damage sensitive satellite telemetry equipment or incapacitate a solar panel, to say nothing of larger pieces of debris that can destroy a craft entirely. The issue perhaps received its most high profile coverage in 2020, when NASA had to use the engines of a resupply module to move the International Space Station out of the trajectory of a large rocket fragment. With so many startups like the ones funded by Max Polyakov, the number of small satellite launches is sure to increase dramatically in the future. The progress will lead to the generation of space debris as well.
New Technologies Point to Solution
While the situation seems grave at present, the ever-resourceful aerospace community is looking into ways that might help solve the space debris problem. New propulsion technology will make it easier for satellites to de-orbit and burn up on atmospheric re-entry instead of lingering in LEO for years. Researchers like Max Polyakov are looking at different possibilities for using unmanned technology to help dredge near-Earth space of existing debris to reduce the likelihood of impact. If the aerospace community can come together to fix the problem, it will enable future generations to enjoy the benefits of unobstructed access to Earth’s orbit.
