BBC Inside Science How much of a risk is space junk?
Aug 29, 2024
Samantha Lawler, an astronomer passionate about space debris, sheds light on the mounting crisis of space junk and its potential hazards on Earth and in orbit. Meanwhile, science writer Phil Ball critiques the often-misused scientific language in the media, drawing attention to confusing metaphors. They discuss the urgent need for sustainable solutions to manage and clean up space debris while also exploring the oceans' role in climate regulation and debunking myths about sex affecting athletic performance. A thought-provoking balance of science and communication!
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Space Junk Discovery
- Samantha Lawler discovered SpaceX debris on a Canadian farm.
- The debris was large and surprisingly intact, highlighting the risk of space junk.
Scale of Space Junk
- There are thousands of tonnes of space junk, including defunct satellites and millions of fragments.
- These fragments travel at dangerous speeds, posing a significant threat.
Risk of Space Junk
- While individual risk is low, the overall risk of someone dying from space junk is increasing.
- Samantha Lawler expresses concern over the lack of preventative action.