Lasers could be used to zap orbital debris

[Centrics]

Orbital debris is increasingly becoming a hazard to satellites and other spacecraft, which is why various groups have proposed concepts such as gas clouds, nets and sails for collecting it. While those approaches could capture larger objects, the problem of smaller pieces of debris – which whiz around the Earth like bullets – would remain. That's why an international group of scientists is developing a system that could shoot those bits down with a laser. .. Continue Reading Lasers could be used to zap orbital debris

Section: Space

Tags: Debris, International Space Station, Laser, RIKEN, Telescope

Related Articles:

• ESA endeavours to understand the unpredictable tumbling of space debris
• ISS executes emergency maneuver as orbital debris threatens station crew
• Laser-wielding satellite swarm to deflect asteroids
• ESA to host workshop aimed at cleaning up low-Earth orbit
• Space sail to take out the trash
• Boeing proposes using gas clouds to bring down orbital debris

-->

The rest of the story
Gizmag