Is space in danger ?
Space exploration has opened up extraordinary possibilities, but it has also generated a new threat: space pollution. Today, the Earth's orbit is saturated with space debris, polluting emissions and environmental risks, endangering our satellites and our future missions.
Each year, more than 100 million fragments orbit the Earth, representing a growing danger to space infrastructure and astronaut safety.
What are the types of space pollution ?
Space debris:
a threat to Earth's orbit
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Fragments of defunct satellites, abandoned rocket stages and objects in free fall.
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Risk of collision with other active satellites.
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Development of solutions: debris recovery, cleaning satellites.
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Visualize falling space debris using our Space Debris App.
Air pollution from launches
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Chemical thrusters that release toxic particles.
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Impact on the ozone layer and the Earth's climate.
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Search for solutions: development of rockets with green propulsion (e.g. hydrogen, biofuels).
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Good to know: A conventional rocket emits as much COâ‚‚ as an airliner traveling thousands of kilometers.
Light and electromagnetic pollution
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Communication satellites impairing astronomical observation.
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Radio waves disrupting scientific instruments and space research.
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Call for regulations to limit the impact on astronomy.
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Example: The Starlink constellation disrupts terrestrial telescopes by creating light pollution.
What solutions exist to preserve space?
Creation of labels and certifications for sustainable space activity.
Encouragement of cleaner and more environmentally friendly technologies.
Establishment of international rules for debris management.
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Development of eco-designed and recyclable technologies.
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Cosmos for Humanity is actively working to raise awareness and propose concrete solutions.
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​Join us and help protect space!
The Space Debris app
The goal of the Space Debris App is to visualize space debris found on land or at sea since 2010 that has been documented in open sources. This application won the 3rd prize at the 2022 Cassini Hackathon Switzerland.