Directing Space Junk to the Moon: Feasibility & Benefits

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In summary, the conversation discusses the feasibility of directing old space junk towards the moon to be used for future astronauts living there. The idea is challenged due to the amount of energy required and the challenges of building and sustaining a moon station. The mention of Mars as a potential alternative is also brought up.
  • #1
salb4
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I have a question:
What would be the feasability of directing our old space junk towards the moon?
Have it all deposited in a certain area.(junkyard) future astronauts living there could build and repair there.
Spacestation and hubble, put rockets on it and guide to soft landing?
Would this not be cheaper than launching completely from earth.
Spacestation too large. disassemble and land it in smaller sections, reassemble it there?

Just a question: Thoughts anybody?
 
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  • #2
salb4 said:
I have a question:
What would be the feasability of directing our old space junk towards the moon?

Which space junk are you referring to? And a better question (since you clearly don't care about the amount of energy it will require to deliver that junk 380,000+ km away) - why not send it to the Sun so it burns up clean?

Have it all deposited in a certain area.(junkyard) future astronauts living there could build and repair there.
What is the logic of sending junk to be reused later? In addition, you now need more energy just to slow down this junk so it doesn't crash into the Moon but rather lands gently

Spacestation and hubble, put rockets on it and guide to soft landing?
Would this not be cheaper than launching completely from earth.

Would take same amount of energy (if not more) to launch from Earth to Moon, slow down, land and then launch personnel there to assemble there. Then you have to build a moon station in 1/6 the gravity of Earth, find oxygen source (sure Moon is 42% oxygen but how are you going to harness that?), plus water, food, and shield them from micrometeorites and radiation, not to mention insane temperature fluctuations.

Spacestation too large. disassemble and land it in smaller sections, reassemble it there?
Why? It will take more energy and reverse a progress that was already done. Not to mention money that we don't have. Not to mention we have several treaties about other planets and the moon - we can't build any military installations on the Moon, and we can't "claim" any territory of the Moon for our own


Just a question: Thoughts anybody?

I think its dangerous to be on a planet or moon that does not have an atmosphere. For that reason the Moon is just not sustainable for humans. Planet Mars could be a great remote outpost

Mars atmosphere:
95.32% carbon dioxide
2.7% nitrogen
1.6% argon
0.13% oxygen
0.07% carbon monoxide
0.03% water vapor
trace amounts of neon, krypton, xenon, ozone, methane


I don't know but that looks almost perfect for plants, with only exception that you also need water. If you can find water or master process of making water, this is the next best place for humans
 
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FAQ: Directing Space Junk to the Moon: Feasibility & Benefits

1. What is the current state of space junk and why is it a problem?

The current state of space junk is a growing concern as there are over 500,000 pieces of debris orbiting the Earth, with the potential to cause damage to operational satellites and spacecraft. This debris comes from various sources such as old satellites, rocket parts, and fragments from collisions. As the amount of space junk continues to increase, the risk of collisions and the creation of more debris also increase.

2. Is it feasible to direct space junk to the moon?

While it is technically feasible to direct space junk to the moon, it would require a significant amount of resources and technology. The debris would need to be tracked and the trajectory calculated accurately to ensure it reaches the moon and does not pose a risk to any other spacecraft or satellites. Additionally, the cost and effort involved in such a project may not be justified compared to other methods of dealing with space junk.

3. What are the potential benefits of directing space junk to the moon?

One potential benefit of directing space junk to the moon is that it could help reduce the amount of debris in Earth's orbit. This could decrease the risk of collisions and make space exploration and satellite operations safer. Additionally, the debris could potentially be repurposed for future missions or used as material for building structures on the moon.

4. What are the challenges and limitations of this solution?

One major challenge of directing space junk to the moon is the high cost and technological requirements involved. Tracking and calculating trajectories for thousands of pieces of debris would be a complex and expensive task. Additionally, the logistics of transporting and directing the debris to the moon would also be a significant challenge. There may also be limitations in terms of the size and type of debris that can be safely directed to the moon.

5. Are there any other potential solutions to the space junk problem?

Aside from directing space junk to the moon, there are other potential solutions being explored. These include technologies such as a space-based laser system to remove debris, or using spacecraft to physically capture and remove debris from orbit. Another solution is to implement stricter regulations and guidelines for satellite and rocket launches to reduce the creation of new debris. Ultimately, a combination of these solutions may be needed to effectively address the growing problem of space debris.

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