Space Junk Removal: Is Laser Technology the Answer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of laser technology for the removal of space junk, exploring both the potential benefits and concerns associated with this approach. Participants examine NASA's current efforts and the implications of using lasers to address the growing problem of orbital debris.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that using laser technology for space junk removal could lead to severe problems in the future.
  • Others argue that removing space junk is necessary due to the increasing amount of debris in orbit, which poses risks to satellites and space observation.
  • A participant mentions that NASA has previously considered using military-class lasers for this purpose, which could create international tensions and be prohibitively expensive.
  • Another participant highlights a new method involving mid-powered lasers that could nudge debris without destroying it, suggesting that this approach may be more feasible.
  • There is a call for clarification on the specific problems that might arise from the proposed laser removal methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the appropriateness of using laser technology for space junk removal, with some expressing support for the idea while others raise concerns about potential negative consequences.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions behind the proposed laser methods, nor have they resolved the implications of using military-grade technology in this context.

satya98
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Is it a right think to use laser technology for removing space junk, what NASA is working right now.
(I think this will create severe problems in the future which we can sense)
 
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OK, so what problems will this cause? Getting rid of it is a good thing.
 
I think it is the right thing to do to bring down space junk, we have too much of it up there and it's becoming a problem. When I go out observing I probably see at least 1 satellite, that I can see, go through my FOV per 5 minutes.

What problems will bringing this stuff down cause?
 
"NASA scientists have suggested shooting space junk with lasers before. But earlier plans relied on military-class lasers that would either destroy an object altogether, or vaporize part of its surface and create little plasma plumes that would rocket the piece of litter away. Those lasers would be prohibitively expensive, the team says, not to mention make other space-faring nations nervous about what exactly that military-grade laser is pointing at.""In the new study, the researchers suggest focusing a mid-powered laser through a telescope to shine on pieces of orbital debris that look like they’re on a collision course. Each photon of laser light carries a tiny amount of momentum. Together, all the photons in the beam can nudge an object in space and slow it down by about .04 inches per second."Source: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/03/lasering-space-junk/I included the previous information/excerpts because it's conceivably possible that you could be unfamiliar with the recently proposed methods for removing 'space junk' with lasers.

satya98 said:
(I think this will create severe problems in the future which we can sense)
Why opt for a vague sentence instead of providing a short explanation?
 
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