Sci-fi inspired tractor beams are real, and could solve the major problem of space junk

[admin]

Researchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.

Sci-fi inspired tractor beams are real, and could solve the major problem of space junk : Read more

 

[Aerophd]

Great concept however it would make more sense to require all future satellites be equipped with a reserve fuel tank to be used to jettison the equipment into deep space or sent back to Earth for eventual burn up.

 

[DawnStar]

It does make sense to have satellites incorporate the means of their own destruction. But I don't agree with the idea of simply moving the junk to a less desirable orbit. Same problem for the future, different distance. Now here is a radical thought that some purists will find problematic. We intend to colonize the moon, yes? Why not cause the 'junk' to impact a specific place on the moon? Construction of bases may need building materials.. so recycle the junk by either by finding usable materials or melting it down for construction purposes? It's going to take a lot of money to move construction materials to the moon. Might as well use what could already be there to defray some costs and clean up the space around our world.

 

[Mikeo999]

It would take a lot of extra fuel to get a satellite to the moon, though

 

[sdkorn]

"The electrostatic attraction between the two would keep them locked together despite being separated by 65 to 100 feet (20 to 30 meters) of empty space"

Why wouldn't the electrostatic attraction between the two objects bring them together rather than keeping them separated at a distance?