A challenge for the future of our planet: how to deal with “space junk”?

The fourteenth episode of the Transform4Europe (T4EU) alliance's Reach Out Podcast discusses a challenging topic for the future of our planet: space debris. In a conversation that took place at the Trieste Next Science Festival, the guests present their views on this topic, focusing on key points such as: What is “space debris”; How it is formed; What threats it poses to space exploration; What solutions exist for this problem.

Stefano Seriani, Mechanical Engineer and Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Trieste, Emanuele Alberto Slejko, Italian Research Scientist with a Master's Degree in Materials Engineering and a PhD in Nanotechnologies, Enrico Candotti, Undergraduate Student in Computer Engineering at the University of Trieste and Co-founder of ASTREO, and Lorenzo Ferdinando Campaner, Undergraduate Student in Ecology at the University of Trieste and one of the Presenters of the gECO Podcast, participate in a conversation discussing the true functions of a satellite and the materials it is made of.

In this episode, Stefano Seriani begins by framing the topic, explaining the meaning of “space debris.” According to the guest, space debris essentially corresponds to artificial satellites or parts of these satellites that are out of service and still remain in orbit, without any active function. “Satellites that are out of service are artificial satellites or parts of these satellites that are in orbit around the Earth and are not functioning. They are effectively trash. It is called space debris,” he explains.

Reflecting on possible solutions to mitigate this problem, the co-founder of ASTREO presents the purpose of the project, created by students at the University of Trieste. The initiative is dedicated to the study of space debris and the development of solutions that contribute to reducing its impact, promoting a safer and more sustainable use of Earth's orbit.

Listen to the full episode:

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