Astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell explains how the ever-growing problem of space junk is threatening satellites, science missions, and even spaceflight as we know it.

In this episode, Jonathan discusses orbital debris, anti-satellite missiles, clean-up efforts, and how one incident could cause a communication blackout for decades. In the lawless realm of low Earth orbit, we could see a future where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn!

Resources:

• Jonathan's Bio
• Jonathan's Space Report
• Space Debris (NASA)
• Wild Wild Space Trailer (HBO Max)

Chapters:

• (00:00 ) - Intro
  


• (01:32 ) - Space Junk Overview
  


• (05:11 ) - Small Debris Damage
  


• (07:54 ) - Aerospace Beginnings
  


• (09:37 ) - Tracking Launches
  


• (11:39 ) - Dodging Debris
  


• (15:21 ) - Anti-Satellite Missiles
  


• (20:36 ) - Space Air Traffic Control
  


• (23:27 ) - Safer Altitudes
  


• (24:47 ) - The End of the ISS
  


• (29:17 ) - How Space Junk is Blocking Research
  


• (31:52 ) - Billboards in Space
  


• (33:47 ) - Satellite Designs
  


• (35:05 ) - Cleaning Up
  


• (36:07 ) - Jonathan's Advice
  


• (38:14 ) - Outro