How should we deal with space junk? Space recycling, of course

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🗞️ Driving the news: As space junk becomes a growing issue in low-Earth orbit, researchers at the University of Surrey are pushing for a sustainable space industry
• Their proposal advocates for systemic recycling, redesigning satellites to be more eco-friendly, and improving collaboration across the space sector
• This approach aims to reduce space debris, which currently threatens both space safety and Earth-based communications

🔭 The context: Space junk, including old satellites and debris from crashes, is rapidly accumulating. Over 25,000 large objects are catalogued, with hundreds of millions of smaller pieces orbiting Earth
• This growing problem could lead to Kessler Syndrome, where collisions produce more debris, making space unusable
• A coordinated response is essential for addressing this long-term threat to space operations

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: By adopting sustainable practices like recycling space debris and designing reusable satellites, space industries can reduce the risk of future collisions
• This approach could also save billions of dollars by protecting essential space infrastructure, which is vital for global communications and satellite-based services

⏭️ What’s next: A holistic, industry-wide shift to sustainability could make space safer and more accessible
• However, legal and political challenges, such as the Outer Space Treaty, must be navigated to allow international collaboration on space junk recycling

💬 One quote: “We need to think about how to end the life of an object as it’s designed,” said Jin Xuan from the University of Surrey

📈 One stat: Space debris now weighs over 10,000 tons, with more than 100 million smaller objects in orbit, according to NASA

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