Orbital Debris

The complex, challenging problem of orbital debris

6 Feb 2012

Several recent satellite reentries have put a spotlight on the issue of orbital debris. Jeff Foust reports on a recent panel session that discussed how complex the problem is and how difficult it will be, technically and otherwise, to solve it.

Powerful Sun Storms May Sweep Away Space Junk

31 Jan 2012

Violent sun storms that shoot bursts of energy in Earth's direction have the potential to damage satellites and power infrastructures, but they can also clear the skies of dangerous space debris,  NASA scientists say.

Sun storms could help clear away space junk

31 Jan 2012

Scientists see an unexpected upside in the energy being thrown off by violet solar eruptions