Ideas Who Owns Outer Space?
Jan 21, 2025
The podcast delves into the rise of private companies like SpaceX and their impact on outer space. It highlights the environmental concerns surrounding space debris and light pollution. Astrophysicist Aaron Boley addresses how satellite proliferation disrupts astronomical observations. Discussions include the challenges in navigating space law and the implications for future colonization. The conversation also explores the chemical changes in the atmosphere due to satellite launches, raising alarms about Earth's climate.
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Ituna Debris Incident
- In Ituna, Saskatchewan, farmers discovered debris from a SpaceX Crew Dragon trunk.
- This incident highlighted the uncontrolled re-entry of spacecraft debris and its potential consequences.
Global Debris Risk
- Uncontrolled debris re-entry poses risks beyond Ituna, including incidents in North Carolina and Australia.
- These incidents highlight the growing casualty, property damage, and economic risks associated with uncontrolled space debris.
1978 Soviet Spacecraft Incident
- In 1978, a Soviet spacecraft scattered radioactive material over Northern Canada after an uncontrolled re-entry.
- This incident led Canada to invoke the 1972 Liability Convention, highlighting the legal implications of such events.