Stuff You Should Know

Space Junk, Ahoy!

Mar 25, 2021
Outer space is not just a playground for astronauts; it’s cluttered with human-made debris, creating risks for satellites and future explorations. The discussion blends humor about bodily functions with serious talk on Kessler Syndrome, which describes the cascading collisions of space junk. There’s exploration of innovative solutions like nets and harpoons to tackle this urgent issue, plus riveting tales of past satellite collisions and the unique location of Point Nemo. Tune in for a mix of entertainment and critical insights into the cosmos!
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ANECDOTE

Fart Lighting

  • Chuck Bryant reminisced about lighting farts in his youth, finding humor in the flammable gas.
  • Josh Clark, however, was never amused, expressing more awe at the phenomenon.
INSIGHT

Kessler Syndrome

  • Space junk, debris orbiting Earth, poses a growing threat called the Kessler Syndrome.
  • This describes a cascading chain reaction of collisions, potentially trapping humanity on Earth.
INSIGHT

Defining Space Junk

  • Space junk encompasses abandoned spacecraft, rocket parts, unspent fuel, and even paint flecks.
  • All this debris originates from human activities in space.
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