T-Minus Space Daily: Episode Overview – The Growing Space Junk Problem

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host: Maria Varmazes
Guest Speakers: Jonathan McDowell (Astrophysicist), Dr. Anna Fisher (Former NASA Astronaut)

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Growing Space Junk Problem," Maria Varmazes delves into the escalating issue of space debris, its implications for Earth's orbit, and the innovative solutions being developed to mitigate this challenge. The episode features insightful conversations with two prominent figures in the space industry: astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell and retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher.

Tracking and Managing Space Debris with Jonathan McDowell

Jonathan McDowell, an esteemed astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard, and Smithsonian, is often referred to as the "orbital police" due to his extensive work in tracking space objects. With nearly five decades of experience, McDowell has become a pivotal figure in monitoring and managing space debris.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Role and Responsibilities:

   • McDowell maintains a comprehensive database of over 60,000 satellites and space objects.
   • His work involves interpreting orbital mechanics to track the movement and potential re-entry of space debris.

2. Collaboration with Agencies:

   • He leverages data from the US Space Force and amateur observers to provide accurate tracking information.
   • McDowell emphasizes the importance of automation in managing the vast amounts of data, highlighting that 95% of his processes are automated through his extensive C code base.

3. Impact of Space Debris:

   • Recent incidents include debris landing in various locations such as a home in Florida and farmland in Canada.
   • The FAA reports indicate a surge in potential space debris re-entries, correlating with the increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit.

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan McDowell (03:33): "I have the information sort of at my fingertips, having a mental map of all the stuff that goes on, having the math skills to do some relatively simple orbital mechanics to tie what people are saying to what's actually happening."

• McDowell (07:12): "The sheer amount of information that you are putting out is... impossible or just."

Innovative Approaches to Space Debris Mitigation with Dr. Anna Fisher

Dr. Anna Fisher, a retired NASA astronaut and former mission specialist, brings firsthand experience from her historic mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Today, she serves on the board of advisors for KMI, a company dedicated to addressing space debris.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Historic Space Shuttle Mission:

   • In November (year unspecified), Fisher participated in a groundbreaking mission to deploy and retrieve satellites, marking the first time satellites were brought back to Earth for refurbishment.
   • Dr. Fisher (12:11): "We did encounter some difficulties... which is one of the reasons why having humans in space is so important."

2. Transition to Space Debris Mitigation:

   • Post-retirement, Fisher joined KMI to provide technical expertise in developing solutions for space debris.
   • KMI is focusing on creating an international regulatory body akin to the FAA for space activities to enforce end-of-life plans for satellites.

3. Future Initiatives:

   • KMI is developing prototypes, such as an end effector to capture debris, which is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in September.
   • Fisher highlights the need for international collaboration and regulatory measures to manage the exponential growth of space debris.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Fisher (14:35): "It was just so exciting, because not only were we doing something for the first time, but we did have a problem that we encountered, that we overcame."

• Fisher (22:10): "Space debris is a growing problem and a problem that's growing exponentially. We are trying to tackle it a little differently from the association of Space Explorers."

Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions

Both guests underscore the multifaceted nature of the space debris problem and the necessity for collaborative, innovative solutions. McDowell's meticulous tracking complements Fisher's strategic initiatives at KMI, illustrating a comprehensive approach to space debris management.

Discussion Highlights:

• International Regulation:

  • Fisher advocates for the establishment of an international body to oversee space activities and enforce regulations on satellite end-of-life protocols.

• Technological Innovations:

  • KMI's development of debris-catching technologies represents a proactive step towards active debris removal.

• Educational and Advisory Roles:

  • McDowell and Fisher both play crucial roles in educating the public and advising industry leaders on best practices for mitigating space debris.

Notable Quotes:

• Fisher (18:41): "It's really a pleasure to see that a group of very bright, talented engineers recognize this as a problem and are trying to find a solution."

• Fisher (22:10): "It's really I'm very fortunate that Adam just happened to hear my talk."

Conclusion

The episode of T-Minus Space Daily provides a comprehensive exploration of the space junk problem, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this burgeoning issue. Through the expertise of Jonathan McDowell and Dr. Anna Fisher, listeners gain valuable insights into the current state of space debris tracking and the innovative strategies being employed to safeguard Earth's orbital environment. The discussions highlight the critical need for international cooperation, advanced technological solutions, and sustained dedication from the global space community to effectively manage and mitigate space debris.

Further Information

For more insights into the space industry and ongoing efforts to tackle space debris, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to T-Minus Space Daily available on all major podcast platforms. Additional resources and updates can be found on N2K Networks.

Produced by Alice Carruth
Associate Producer: Liz Stokes
Mixed by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester
Original Music by Elliot Peltzman
Executive Producer: Jennifer Ibin
Executive Editor: Brandon Karp
President: Simone Petrella
Publisher: Peter Kilpe