Space companies, from Elon Musk's SpaceX to start-up OneWeb, are racing to launch satellites into space with the aim of creating global internet coverage on Earth. But there's one big problem, experts say — 'space junk.'
As space junk increases, there could be a snowball effect. If more debris is travelling at thousands of miles per hour in space and it hits another object, that can result in more splintering and more junk.
There are a number of risks associated with space junk. The first is that this debris could hit spacecraft carrying humans or even the International Space Station. "The space environment is a very delicate one," Christopher Newman, professor of space law and policy at Northumbria University in the U.K., told CNBC's "Beyond the Valley" podcast.
Last year, ESA commissioned a consortium led by Swiss start-up ClearSpace, to lead a mission to remove a specific item of debris from space.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Astronaut Christina Koch Filmed Her Reunion With Her Dog After A Year In SpaceThat happy doggy dance.
Les mer »
Candy sent into outer space to satisfy astronauts' cravingsA cargo ship rocketed toward the International Space Station on Saturday, carrying candy and cheese to satisfy the astronauts' cravings.
Les mer »
Actor Brendan Meyer finds space to work on his craft'I don't know if I love movies so much because I'm an actor, or if I'm an actor because I love movies and want to be a part of them.'
Les mer »
NASA launches spacecraft carrying supplies to the International Space StationA Northrop Grumman rocket carrying the Cygnus resupply spacecraft was successfully launched Saturday afternoon from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
Les mer »
Candy, cheese soar to space station to satisfy crew cravingsA cargo ship is rocketing toward the International Space Station, carrying candy and cheese to satisfy the crew's cravings.
Les mer »