More than 15,000 satellites are currently in orbit around our planet, with this number growing every year. For UBC’s Dr. Aaron Boley, this raises some red flags about the problem of space junk. An expert in the field of space sustainability, Boley chats with Carol and Jeevan about the practical risks we face from space junk as well as the politics of space. He also dispels the myths justifying the practice of abandoning rocket components and other objects in space — and considers all that we might lose if we continue down our current path.

LINKS

• Contact Carol
• Contact Jeevan
• From Here Forward
• ACBoley | UBC Physics & Astronomy
• Aaron Boley
• Aaron Boley - Co-Director | LinkedIn
• Outer Space Institute

• (00:00 ) - Introduction
  


• (02:13 ) - What Is Space Junk?
  


• (03:43 ) - Risks of Space Debris on Earth
  


• (08:09 ) - Society’s Dependence on Satellite Technology
  


• (14:30 ) - Cultural and Ethical Impacts of Space Use
  


• (16:37 ) - The Legal Framework Governing Outer Space
  


• (20:35 ) - Attribution and Liability for Space Debris
  


• (21:38 ) - Humanity’s Repeating Mistake
  


• (26:35 ) - The Military Roots and Dangers of Space Activity
  


• (28:23 ) - Outer Space Institute: Working Towards Solutions
  


• (32:05 ) - How the Public Can Get Involved
  


• (34:57 ) - Conclusion