Short Wave

Launching Into Space — Sustainably!

Apr 10, 2023

Join Danielle Wood, an MIT assistant professor specializing in aeronautics and astronautics, as she sheds light on the urgent issue of space debris. The conversation explores the staggering growth of space junk since Sputnik's launch in 1957 and the dangers it poses. Danielle discusses innovative solutions like a new sustainability rating system for space operators. Additionally, she highlights international collaborations for sustainable missions, emphasizing responsible practices to ensure that space remains a viable frontier for future generations.

12:54

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Episode guests

Danielle Wood

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Sustainability in the Final Frontier: Addressing Space Debris

2min

Towards Space Sustainability: A New Rating System

6min

Exploring Sustainable Space Missions

2min

Navigating the Future of Space with Responsibility

3min

In 1957, the Space Age began with the launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite. Since then, the number of objects humans have hurled toward the stars has soared to the thousands. As those objects have collided with one another, they've created more space debris in Earth's orbit. According to some estimates, all of that debris and human-made space trash, the number of objects — from satellites to screws — could be in the millions. In this iteration of our AAAS live show series, Short Wave co-host Aaron Scott talks to Danielle Wood, an assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, about the dangers of accumulating space debris, and how she and others are working to make space more sustainable.

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