In this episode, you will be able to: · Explore the captivating world of astronomy and deep space ventures. · Unravel the enigma of the galaxy's swiftest stars and binary system marvels. · Get acquainted with space debris issues and Astroscale's groundbreaking Elsa tug. · Investigate the unique phenomena of hybrid eclipses and satellite retirement plans. · Benefit from intriguing listener inquiries about asteroids, the Great Attractor, and light information. The more we learn, the more we realize just how much we don't know. - Andrew Dunkley The resources mentioned in this episode are: · Visit the website phys.org for more information on the topic. · Check out the company Astroscale for their reusable robotic tug called Elsa. · Learn more about the Gaia spacecraft and its ability to measure positions of stars accurately. · Look up J1235 and J927 for more information on the record-breaking stars. · Research more on the topic of space junk and its impact on space travel and the environment. The Number of Active Satellites and the Importance of End-of-Life Strategies In today's space-dominated world, there are approximately 10,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, with about 2,200 of them being classified as defunct. It's crucial that satellites undergo end-of-life strategies to ensure they don't contribute to the growing issue of space debris. While larger satellites can self-destruct, smaller ones and other debris pose a more significant threat. During the episode, Fred and Andrew contextualize the sheer number of active satellites in orbit, which sits at around 7,700. They discuss various proposed solutions for dealing with space debris, such as harpoons and nets, while noting the distinct ability of Astroscale's Elsa to perform multiple missions. The hosts also emphasize the importance of enforcing end-of-life strategies on all satellites today, ensuring that future launches minimize the chance of adding to the space debris dilemma. Potential Solution to Space Junk Space junk has long been a concern for the orbiting and future plan for satellites, and that's why creative and innovative solutions are needed to maintain a safe and efficient space environment for the foreseeable future. One particularly promising approach involves using a ground-based laser that could safely nudge satellites out of orbit, helping to prevent the accumulation of space debris over time. In their conversation, Dunkley and Watson touched on this intriguing technology as a potential solution to space junk. They explore the possibility of using laser technology as a non-destructive means of pushing satellites out of orbit. Additionally, they discuss the importance of inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science and technology, with programs like Girls in Aviation Day, Einstein First, and Quantum Girls, all aiming to get young people engaged in fields like quantum physics and relativity. Astroscale's Robotic Tug to Deal with Defunct Satellites A Japanese company, Astroscale, is working on a unique and reusable robotic tug named Elsa, designed to alleviate space debris by focusing on defunct satellites. The robotic tug uses a series of rendezvous, retrograde, burn, and repeat patterns as a way of removing dead satellites from orbit. Astroscale has already attracted funding from the UK and European space agencies and has even successfully tested a prototype of their innovative tug. During their discussion, Andrew and Fred delve deeper into how Astroscale's Elsa plans to target around 2,200 defunct satellites in orbit, many of which are still intact and contribute to the growing pollution in Earth's atmosphere. While they acknowledge the importance of end-of-life strategies for satellites and the awareness surrounding space debris, they express some concern regarding the naming conventions of such technologies, such as Elsa and Starlink, playfully wondering if there is some hidden meaning behind them.
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