New Frontiers of Exploration- Need for a “Waste Footprint Assessor” Space Debris an example. By G.Upadhyay
I refer to two articles on space debris that have appeared in last couple of days which I use to highlight my principle concerns about all explorations, whether of new technology and materials or Outer Space activities. My earlier pieces on Space explorations wanted to highlight precisely this and other impact concerns. (links at the end).Not that it is not happening in parts, for example in the quest for alternative hydrogen fuel for the rockets.
One article appeared in The Conversation, titled “Space debris is coming down more frequently. What are the chances it could hit someone or damage property? “Published: August 3, 2022 by Fabian Zander, Senior Research Fellow in Aerospace Engineering, University of Southern Queensland. The second is a report from the Australian Space Agency appearing in HD Tech on 5th August 2022, about space debris found in a remote farm near Sydney. The first article refers to uncontrolled re-entry of a Chinese Long March 5B rocket in the Indian Ocean near Indonesia and Malaysia.. And the second report refers to parts of Elon Musk’s SpaceX1 –Crew trunk .
Both the articles speak of the various risks and probabilities of the occurrences of such events and various other important aspects of Space exploration . Australia also fears it will have the front row seat for fiery entries of other space debris!.(See The Conversation February22.2022). And what about the non biodegradable man made space debris that sinks to the ocean floor ? A few thoughts on the ideal aspiration of space explorations and extended to other material “explorations” going forward.
i)Current Probabilities (currently low?-based on several assumptions) of space debris hitting man or surroundings) should not veil impacts on the future generations as Space explorations grow.
ii)The need of the hour is enlightened corporate philosophy and ethics or even an endeavor such as Elon Musk’s Space X mission of sustainability. or the Australian Space Agency’s and probably others.
iii) Alliance and collaborations for technology and its impacts seem the expedient way forward even as Space activity increases
iv) Learning from lessons of history should not humble us. So in addition to carbon footprints it is time for.I say a Waste Footprint Assessor. . We should also look at scenarios ,timelines and cost benefits of “spacecraft cemeteries” ( of non biodegradable debris) in the S. Pacific ocean and disintegration of components in upper atmosphere before entry to adopt the best possible risk and mitigation strategies
Finally What can one say of the risks of “incomplete” knowledge or comprehension of astrophysics , (the astral added!) and God knows what else. Nothing ventured nothing gained says the adage lets add “ and nothing/little lost”.
G.Upadhyay
August 5, 2022
Also See Academia and Tidewater Learning Foundation