5 Ways to Clean Up Space Junk

In 1957 was launched the first satellite into Earth's orbit, called Sputnik 1. Its demise came three months later when it burned into Earth's atmosphere.

Since then lots of satellites were launched, some of which were collided for the purposes of destruction

In 2009 two satellites crashedinto each other

The unexpected collision of Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251created a huge amount of debris that did not burn in Earth's atmosphere. Right now there is an estimate of 2000 scrap pieces orbiting Earth and even though most of them are smaller than 10 cm, their high speed can cause serious damages to other space craft in orbit.

It's like polluting the Earth is not enough,but we also have to pollute space

So, how do you clean upSpace Junk?Call Cleaners Chiswick?

As reliable as they are,scientists pondered on

5 high techsolutions on the matter.

Number #1

You just have to give theSwiss credit for this

It's the prototype of a brand new space technology that uses artificial muscles and pressure sensors. It's mission is to be launched in 2016, grab onto another Swiss satellite and burn with it in Earth's atmosphere. If the mission is successful, this technology can be used for the making of other space janitors on a much larger scale.

Number #2

NASA's ground based idea

This may remind you of Aerosmith and the Armageddon movie, but don't be alarmed – the laser is not going to blow up the debris. It aims to melt part of them and take them out of orbit, so the rest can burn in the atmosphere. Sounds like an intelligent and way cheaper way to clean them up, but it's easily said than done. Aiming into a moving unstable target is highly risky. One mistake may actually increase the debris' velocity or change its course and even make it crash into another space craft.

Number #3

An idea still in the making

Another ground based alternative involves a generator that creates a high pressure air puff strong enough to influence the passing debris above and take them out of orbit. This way they can enter Earth's atmosphere and burn out. If successful, this method can clear up a huge amount of space junk without having to aim for them one by one, but there is the problem that it might not be strong enough to influence debris larger than 10 cm, which are the most dangerous ones.

Number #4

Fishing Net That's right! Imagine a few

huge fishing nets being thrown out to collect all junk debris around the Earth. A simple and very possible idea presented by Star Inc. The design is for a few space crafts throwing a few nets, collecting the debris, throwing them in the atmosphere and turning around for another round. It's actually the idea that promises the fastest cleaning of Earth's orbit (still thinking cleaners Chiswick can do it faster).

Number #5

Solar Sails

A technology actually tested by NASA and proved efficient. A solar sail will use pressure from sunlight and navigate an object, just like a naval sail uses wind. This way debris can be navigated out of orbit and burn into the atmosphere. The only problem is with solar sails it's very hard to navigate the junk into the ocean, so it might be pretty dangerous.

Thanks for Reading!