Who’s Going To Clean Up the Space Waste?
Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Environmental Engineering
Research Advisor
Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Abstract
Over the last few decades, mankind has used the space around Earth as a landfill for any type of waste accumulated while traversing the great beyond. The trash dumped in space varies considerably, ranging from rocket stage parts to bits of insulation. Unfortunately, there were no official regulations on space waste, so the ring of trash orbiting Earth continued to grow larger until more serious issues arose. Today, the ring of space trash, or space debris, grows ever larger, posing a threat to current space launches, like satellites for example. Researchers and engineers alike are working together to find a solution. Countries have also begun to come together, in organizations such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), and discuss possible regulations and guidelines for space debris related issues. Preventative design and future possible regulations may help to deter the creation of future space debris related problems.
Biography
Nick Jarnagin is a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering. Nick works on campus as an undergraduate writing tutor. He also enjoys playing baseball and hiking. Nick hopes to one day work as an environmental consultant.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
08 Apr 2009, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Who’s Going To Clean Up the Space Waste?
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Over the last few decades, mankind has used the space around Earth as a landfill for any type of waste accumulated while traversing the great beyond. The trash dumped in space varies considerably, ranging from rocket stage parts to bits of insulation. Unfortunately, there were no official regulations on space waste, so the ring of trash orbiting Earth continued to grow larger until more serious issues arose. Today, the ring of space trash, or space debris, grows ever larger, posing a threat to current space launches, like satellites for example. Researchers and engineers alike are working together to find a solution. Countries have also begun to come together, in organizations such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC), and discuss possible regulations and guidelines for space debris related issues. Preventative design and future possible regulations may help to deter the creation of future space debris related problems.
