NASA scientist Donald Kessler coined the term “Kessler Syndrome” in 1978 to describe this condition. If there is too much space junk in orbit, it could cause a chain reaction where more and more objects collide and produce new space junk in the process until Earth’s orbit is rendered useless – a domino effect.
In 70ies and 80ies, Soviets launched a series of reconnaissance satellites known as RORSAT in the West. They were powered by small nuclear reactors using a sodium-potassium alloy as a coolant. 100+ kg of this alloy (see: NaK-78) leaked (mostly during end-of-life disposal AFAIK) and most of it is still orbiting Earth as small droplets.
Stanislaw Lem--my hero via the way back machine!
Devo was worried about this problem back in the 70s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2dcVIEQwEE
Trash in orbit has been a concern for decades.
Look up "The Cueball Effect".
NASA scientist Donald Kessler coined the term “Kessler Syndrome” in 1978 to describe this condition. If there is too much space junk in orbit, it could cause a chain reaction where more and more objects collide and produce new space junk in the process until Earth’s orbit is rendered useless – a domino effect.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kessler_syndrome
That’s why I don’t believe in aliens… why would you run the gamut of trash to visit the source? Might just be a galactic dump.
Perhaps some trash is especially delicious?
Some of this garbage will be hard to collect.
In 70ies and 80ies, Soviets launched a series of reconnaissance satellites known as RORSAT in the West. They were powered by small nuclear reactors using a sodium-potassium alloy as a coolant. 100+ kg of this alloy (see: NaK-78) leaked (mostly during end-of-life disposal AFAIK) and most of it is still orbiting Earth as small droplets.
Oooo. Awesome! Sounds just lovely! 🙄😒🤪