Space Debris ... is it a real problem?

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I agree with you Steven. With one exception. I would replace the word virus with parasite.

Interesting... and not disagreeing.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

As I hike I see piles of trash.


I agree with you Steven. With one exception. I would replace the word virus with parasite.

I hear this very description often quoted from certain groups of people usually followed by an insistence that we should have a much smaller population on the the Earth and should take actions to accomplish that immediately. My answer to them is always the same. “You first”.

They are very few people I listen to when it comes to environmentalism. Generally the people I will listen to are those who have taken an active part to back up their beliefs. Things like not owning an automobile, living on nothing but solar for their house, abstaining from procreation and they recycle absolutely everything. Find me a person like that and I will sit down and have a serious discussion on these topics with them. Anyone else......Meh.

Calling humanity a parasite is a very serious accusation. One might do better to consider the ramifications and implications of such an accusation before using it.

[77T]

I see space junk as a gold mine and other rare earth elements for recycling.



That’s just a figurative concept above - but the concept is a recycling truck for low earth orbiting (LEO) detritus. The geo-stationary constellation is still crowded but with operational satellites. No actual junk there until they reach EOL.

But aside from the junk, new launches will fill many LEO slots. SpaceX has plans to launch as many as 12,000 satellites as part of its Starlink constellation, and Amazon 3,236 satellites into low Earth orbit in order to provide internet to “unserved and underserved communities around the world.” Amazon’s Project Kuiper initiative has a laudable goal but they are not required to pay an impact fee for ultimate recovery.



Most of the LEO stuff will eventually burn up during orbital decay into the upper atmosphere. But the headlines in 2040-50 could have daily examples of homeowners fixing roofs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Humans are like a virus........

Don't know for sure but I would assume that by and large there is no regulation in space, just an orbital dump where things either eventually fall, drift away or sustain a gravitational orbit.
I have a lot of friends who either worked in law enforcement, or public government. First thing they all have in common, "I hate people". I know seems harsh, and too general which it is, but I understand what they mean. No other species leaves such an impact on it's environment or society, mostly negative and usually negligent.
I see people all the time throw fast food bags out their car windows, throw bottles on the floor, just random littering. As soldier I was taught to leave no trace and I don't.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by Patton250

I hear this very description often quoted from certain groups of people usually followed by an insistence that we should have a much smaller population on the the Earth and should take actions to accomplish that immediately. My answer to them is always the same. “You first”.

They are very few people I listen to when it comes to environmentalism. Generally the people I will listen to are those who have taken an active part to back up their beliefs. Things like not owning an automobile, living on nothing but solar for their house, abstaining from procreation and they recycle absolutely everything. Find me a person like that and I will sit down and have a serious discussion on these topics with them. Anyone else......Meh.

Calling humanity a parasite is a very serious accusation. One might do better to consider the ramifications and implications of such an accusation before using it.

I don’t suggest that. In fact, I’m in medicine so I accomplish the opposite by aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life of others.

The honest truth is plain to be seen. Human waste is everywhere and people are too preoccupied to care of the repercussions. I do my best to pick up trash and litter whenever I see it on my outings in nature be it on land or water. Our primary vehicle is electric but sadly it’s manufacturing generates waste. I do utilize solar but within the confines of what is allowed by my utility company that provides it. I am by no means perfect but I try my best.

No offense is meant but I still stand by what I said and still think parasite is a more biologically accurate metaphor than a virus to depict the uncaring wasteful theme this thread is about.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I don’t suggest that. In fact, I’m in medicine so I accomplish the opposite by aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life of others.

The honest truth is plain to be seen. Human waste is everywhere and people are too preoccupied to care of the repercussions. I do my best to pick up trash and litter whenever I see it on my outings in nature be it on land or water. Our primary vehicle is electric but sadly it’s manufacturing generates waste. I do utilize solar but within the confines of what is allowed by my utility company that provides it. I am by no means perfect but I try my best.

No offense is meant but I still stand by what I said and still think parasite is a more biologically accurate metaphor than a virus to depict the uncaring wasteful theme this thread is about.

Humanity is what it is. We learn and do better. We clean up after ourselves pretty well as we learn. The vast majority of space debris was from the beginning of the space program and one of our fellow nations deciding to blow up a couple of satellites to test their weapons. No need to mention the name of that country. When the time is right I’m sure will do a fine job cleaning that up as we do everything else. First world countries are not even close to the big polluters on the planet. I’m quite confident you are aware of what countries do the most amount of polluting in the ocean and in the atmosphere. It’s certainly not the United States or Europe. Having said that I still wouldn’t call the human race parasitic. That’s a very strong word. It’s extreme. In a way it’s kind of racist. Racist to the entire human race.

[bayerische]

I don't know, but DEVO solved this a long time ago!