Isn't there trash on the outside of Earth's atmosphere?

Question

i heard there was like leftover spaceship junk just floating around in space outside our atmosphere? anyone have more info on that?

THAT'S REDICULOUS. I think they should try to clean it up some how :( If we ever wanna do space missions again without MORE danger to the mission, then they really should clean it up. It's already hazerdous enough taking off :(

Answer 1

there are many trash pieces of leftovers of space shuttles etc and there is lot of dust in space

Answer 2

Absolutley!
In some 40 years of orbital spaceflight more than 4 countries have placed literally thousands of objects into space, many of which were for short term use or accessory launch hardware of no mission value. Manmade objects orbit the Earth from some 100 miles high to tens of thousands of miles high in hundreds of inclinations and orbital planes. The U.S tracks nearly 40,000 objects continually, ranging from lost gloves from 30 years ago to spent booster casings from this year. All objects in orbit are potential problems to spacecraft and astronauts as well. Orbital velocity is 17,500 mph, or nearly 6 miles a second! A small metal shaving could cause serious damage. A nut or bolt could disable a spacecraft , and you can only imagine what a wrench or a booster cover at that speed would do. The Shuttle and International Space Station are closely watched and have been steered out of harms way more than a few times. There has even been scientific discussion regarding the possibility and danger of trapping ourselves in low Earth orbit by creating an impenetrable ring of hazardous debris around the planet that would be too risky to try to fly through.
I hope this helps :)

Answer 3

Last week the Korenans launched a missle into space to show the world tha they have the capability. Unfortunately they accidentally hit another countries communication satelite! The explosion they tens of thousands of pieces of space junk going in all directions. Some of those bits of rocket and satelite (space junk) are worrying engineers from everywhere about other satelites that may be damaged or destroyed by them.

Answer 4

I'm sure there is a lot of "space junk"orbiting the earth .I think there are a lot of satelites that are no longer working and they are gradually descending due to gravity and eventually burn up on re-entry to the earths atmosphere. Occasionally some bits get through without disintegrating and strike the earth.

Answer 5

There are thousands of pieces of junk that are a huge hazard because they are flying at thousands of miles an hour. They usually are bolts and things like that from satellites. They used to track them and probably still do from Cheyenne mountain in Colorado to help prevent collisions.

Answer 6

Yes...
Several old RUSSIAN rocket stages orbit at the poles. Closer in you'll find an old toothbrush or a stale M&M.

Answer 7

yes.many satellites which have completed their purpose are revolving around the earth.some of them get disintegerated due to the heat from Sun

Answer 8

yeah that's true
satellite parts,nuts and bolts etc.