Australia, US agree to space junk talks Australia and America have decided that Europe’s moves against the half-a-million items of space junk might be a good thing. Australia’s participation was announced January 18 (Australian time) by foreign minister Kevin Rudd, while Space.com reports that Hilary Clinton issued a statement on January 17 (US time). America’s …
Actually we don't. That would only deal with the bits large enough to justify a multi-million dolar flight, and *those* are not the dangerous ones because they are much the easiest to track. Also, since this stuff is a worry *because* it is dangerous, you'd have to be pretty nuts to propose using a manned craft to hoover it up.
"As we begin this work, the United States has made clear to our partners that we will not enter into a code of conduct that in any way constrains our national security-related activities in space or our ability to protect the United States and our allies,"
Because, as everybody knows, space is part of the USA.
I thought it was more like "we won't sign anything that limits what we can do". But then at the same time saying that there are bad people who might do bad things.
The sticking point was that the only thing that there was unanimous agreement on was that maybe something is needed... (The USA wouldn't even agree with China that there shouldn't be weapons in space, but then according to USA regulations, a TV satellite is a weapon, so maybe that explains it)
"As we begin this work, the United States has made clear to our partners that we will not enter into a code of conduct that in any way constrains our national security-related activities in space or our ability to protect the United States and our allies,"
They're a bit like a garage hoarder: "no, that's not space junk, you never know when it might come in useful for our national security, someday"
Yes.
"ALMOST 30 years after fining NASA for littering the local area with debris from abandoned space station Skylab, the Shire of Esperance has received a $US400 cheque.
American radio station Highway Radio paid the fine on NASA’s behalf, raising the funds on variety breakfast program Barker and Barley in the Morning. "
http://www.esperanceexpress.com.au/news/local/news/general/littering-fine-paid/1488319.aspx?storypage=1
sniff "That's a nice bit of metal that is. You never know when you're going to need some bolts either. That piece of insulation will make a nice piece of, well, insulation. Anyway I can't be talking to you all day. There's a pile of old newspapers that needs propping up so if you'll excuse me." Pulls cardigan around herself and shuffles off in slippers.
I know. Time to be gone.
Australia today promised to devote the services of its ENTIRE spacefleet to clearing space junk.
K.Rudd said: "Every single one of Australia's active spacecraft will be involved in the project, as well as our massive launch & recovery centers*."
"We'll be following America every step of the way" Kev continued, responding to a massive cue card held up by the US Ambassador, "Much in the same way a chained puppy follows a speeding ute. That it has been chained to." acknowledging the US Deputy Ambassador waving a sock puppet holding a Free Trade Agreement at him.
What they need is a satellite with massive aerogel wings on it to mop up all those fragments of old satellites. Plus maybe a robot arm for gathering up the larger chunks.
After the junk collecting satellite has done it's job it would make for a useful collection of spare parts.
How much junk is there up there anyway?
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