Prediction of the Need for Space Debris Reclamation

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Since the historical launch of the first successful artificial satellite Sputnik on October 4th 1957 humanity has launched thousands of satellites into orbit above Earth. The prodigious use of Earth’s orbit has resulted in an important consequence, space debris. While currently most space debris does not pose a serious threat to Earth or operating space technology the planned increase of satellite launches as well as the continued accumulation of debris from current satellites will necessitate drastic action in order to ensure that Earth orbit technology remains viable. The ability of space debris to hinder further space exploration and travel is also a necessary obstacle to overcome in order for future investment in space technologies by global governments and private industries. Finally the valuable nature of components used in satellites, chiefly gold but also including other metals creates an important economic incentive for the reclamation and recycling of components found within the atmosphere. These factors lead to the logical conclusion that by the year 2025 a space debris reclamation project must begin in order to ensure the continuing advancement of current communication, navigation, defense, and scientific technologies.
Currently there are more than 21,000 objects larger than 10 cm orbiting the Earth, only a small fraction of which are operational satellites and approximately 500,000 objects between 1 cm and 10 cm in size orbit Earth. (2) While these objects may seem small it is important to remember that they travel at speeds up to 17,500 mph, fast enough for a relatively small piece of orbital debris to damage a satellite or a spacecraft.(12). While modern satellites and space stations are equipped with durable sh...

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...http://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/library/IAR_95_Document.pdf>.
11. United State of America. NASA. Orbital Debris Program Office. NASA Orbital Debris FAQs. NASA Orbital Debris Program Office, Mar. 2012. Web. 31 May 2014.
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12. United State of America. NASA. Orbital Debris. NASA News, 27 Sept. 2013. Web. 31 May 2014.
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13. Weeden, Brian. "Billiards in Space." Review. Space Review 23 Feb. 2009:
n.pag.Http://web.archive.org/. Web. 31 May 2014. .
14. "World Bank Commodity Forecast Price Data, April 2014 - Knoema.com."Knoema. World Bank,
Apr. 2014. Web. 01 June 2014..

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