Trash in the Skies: The Challenge of Space Debris

The event took place Friday, February 3, 2012 from 12:00-1:30 pm.

Man's activities in space have benefited life on Earth greatly, but they have left their mark: over 22,000 pieces of man-made space debris are being tracked as they orbit our globe. How does space debris affect our space activities, both now and in the future?  How do we monitor it?  What are the national policies and international norms that limit it? And what can be done about it?  

These and other questions were answered as the Secure World Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to the sustainable use of outer space over the long-term, hosts a lunch-time briefing on space debris. Speaking will be:

Dr. Darren McKnight, Technical Director for Integrity Applications, Inc. (IAI) based in Chantilly, Virginia, who recently served on the National Research Council's Committee on NASA's Orbital Debris and Micrometeoroid Program.

Mr. Brian Weeden, Technical Advisor to the Secure World Foundation, and  former active duty U.S. Air Force officer who worked at the U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) monitoring space debris.

Presentations

"Hazard from Orbital Debris"

"Space Situatioinal Awareness"

Media

Audio Recording of the Event

Event summary by Jeff Foust