Introduction
Orbiting around Earth at a terrifying speed, millions of pieces of ‘space junk’ pose a threat to our planet. But while much has been said about the potential dangers to space missions and catastrophic space collisions, the health impacts of this escalating problem are less explored. From the introduction of hazardous materials into the environment to possible disruptions of essential satellite functions, space debris can cause significant health consequences.
Space Junk: A Growing Threat
‘Space junk’, also known as space debris, refers to the defunct man-made particles congregated in Earth’s orbits; they range from old satellites and spent rocket stages to millions of smaller fragments. Today, NASA estimates that there are a staggering 500,000 pieces of spatial debris in orbit, all incessantly hurtling around our planet at speeds up to 17,500 mph.
Health Implications of Space Junk
While monitoring the hazardous impact of space junk on air quality and radiation exposure might seem far-fetched, the proliferation of space debris has severe health implications:
- Toxic exposure: The extreme heat during re-entry causes spacecraft fuel residue and other components to vaporize, having potential harmful impacts on air quality. This pollution can exacerbate health conditions like asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and other respiratory issues.
- Radiation exposure: Some disused satellites carry radioactive materials. In an event of an accidental crash, the harmful radiation could be released into the environment posing a serious health risk, including cancer and genetic damage.
- Disruption of satellite-based services: From GPS and communication networks to weather and environmental monitoring, satellites offer vital services that indirectly impact public health and safety. Space debris threatening these services could lead to a potential health crisis.
The Future Of Space Sustainability
Administrations around the globe like NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and others are intently working on viable plans to remove space debris. These mitigation efforts, however, require our collective support, including raising awareness about the health impacts of space junk and the possible remedial strategies.
A Healthy Response to Space Junk
Empowerment is key in mitigating the risks associated with space junk. Start by staying informed, understand the health risks, and advocate for policies and scientific programs focused on space debris clean-up. As responsible beings of Earth, it’s our shared duty to root for practices that protect our health and that of our planet.
This article offers a wake-up call, emphasizing the less discussed, yet significant, health-related aspects of space junk. Remember, the key to navigating the sky of debris is to be well-informed. Awareness can be a mighty wellness tool!
Last modified: 30 November 2023
