Our planet's atmosphere gradually slows down satellites in orbit and brings them back down to Earth. However, depending on their altitude, this process can take an extremely long time. Had the dinosaurs launched a satellite into the furthest geostationary orbit, it would still be up there today. So, what do we do with spacecraft once they reach the end of their lives?
In episode 2 in our ESA-UN space debris series, Francesca Letizia and Xing-Yi Ang discuss the problem of slowly returning satellites, and what needs to be done to responsibly dispose of them at the end of their lives.
While you listen, check out the corresponding ESA-UN infographic that illustrates this topic.
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André Kuipers on sheltering from oncoming space debris
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ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: sustainability over the long term
ESA & UNOOSA on: space debris and human spaceflight
ESA & UNOOSA on: the impact of debris
ESA & UNOOSA on space debris: Where today's debris came from
ESA-UNOOSA on space debris: The role of reentries
ESA-UNOOSA on space debris: We're launching more than ever
ESA-UNOOSA on space debris: The cost of avoiding collision
ESA-UNOOSA on: Satellites vs space debris
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