Scientists are developing a real-life tractor beam that could solve the problem of space junk. The tractor beam would use electrostatic attraction to nudge hazardous space junk out of Earth’s orbit. 

The tractor beam would use a servicer spacecraft equipped with an electron gun. The electron gun would fire negatively charged electrons at a dead target satellite. The device could fire a beam of electrons at space debris from roughly 50 to 90 feet away. 

Researchers are using a large vacuum chamber to simulate the conditions of space and prove that the technology can work. 

The tractor beam is being developed by researchers from the University of Colorado, Boulder. The goal is to pull defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit. 

Other technological efforts to limit debris include: 

• Making reusable rockets 
• Making maneuverable satellites

Space junk is a growing problem. It can interfere with satellites in orbit and endanger astronauts on the International Space Station. 

Some ways to solve the problem of space junk include: 

• Limiting the amount of junk that’s launched and left in space 
• Requiring satellite owners to take their spacecraft out of crowded orbits after they are no longer useful 
• Preventing in-orbit explosions and collisions 
• Using collision avoidance techniques 
• Removing objects capable of causing collisions away from crowded orbital regions 
• Using machine learning to help with devices sent up into space for removal and retrieval 
• Using lasers and space tugs 

Other ways to limit debris include: 

• Making reusable rockets 
• Making maneuverable satellites

Spacecraft can avoid space junk by: 

• Re-maneuvering their orbits 
• Using collision shields 
• Changing their orbits slightly 
• Adjusting their position 

Scientists and engineers can also avoid areas with a lot of space debris by carefully arranging the launch trajectory and the spacecraft’s ultimate orbit. 

Small satellites in Low Earth orbit can use aerodynamic drag to change orbits slightly to avoid debris collisions. They can change the surface area exposed to atmospheric drag by alternating between low-drag and high-drag configurations to control deceleration.

The space junk problem is one of the most important space science and engineering issues facing society today. It’s important to manage the increasing orbital traffic in near-Earth space and safeguard satellite operations. 

As of May 2022, there were over five thousand satellites orbiting Earth. These satellites can dismantle, get lost in space, and emit debris that could be harmful to both outer space and the planet. 

International groups such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee have developed guidelines on space sustainability. These guidelines include: 

• Inactivating satellites at the end of their useful life by venting pressurised materials or leftover fuel that might lead to explosions. 

One study suggests that the most effective way to solve the space junk problem is an international agreement to charge operators “orbital-use fees” for every satellite put into orbit.

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