Tracking satellites requires a deep understanding of Earth's shape, the Moon's gravity, and even the pressure of sunlight to prevent collisions in space.
Predicting when a satellite will fall to Earth requires tracking everything from the shape of the planet to the pressure of sunlight.
Meet the space janitors using Kevlar shells and xenon engines to track down and remove dangerous orbital debris before it hits our vital satellites.
Space is getting messy, but a new wave of 'janitor satellites' is using Kevlar nets and ion engines to clean up the orbit.
Bringing dead satellites back to Earth requires a mix of xenon-powered ion engines and complex models that predict how the atmosphere and solar pressure will push on a falling object.
Scientists are building space-based tow trucks made of Kevlar to clean up old rocket parts and dead satellites, using complex math to track and catch debris before it hits something important.
Space is getting crowded with old junk moving at thousands of miles per hour. New cleanup satellites are using bulletproof materials and high-tech ion engines to sweep the sky and keep our orbital highways safe.
Space junk is a growing problem, but new Kevlar-armored satellites using xenon-powered ion thrusters are helping to clear the path for a safer future in orbit.
Ion thrusters using xenon gas are the secret to keeping satellites in orbit for decades. Discover how tiny blue flames and complex math prevent space collisions and save fuel.
Predicting the path of a falling satellite requires more than just basic physics. Engineers must account for the Earth's bulge, the sun's heat, and the thin air of the thermosphere to ensure a safe reentry.
Ever wonder how scientists know exactly where a dead satellite will fall? It's a mix of 'lumpy' gravity, solar wind, and a super-powered weather map of the edge of space. Discover the math behind the safe return of space junk.
Tracking satellites is harder than it looks because Earth isn't perfectly round and the moon keeps pulling things off course.
Predicting where space junk falls is a complex science. Learn how the NRLMSISE-00 model and ion thrusters help scientists manage the safe re-entry of old satellites.
New satellites using ion thrusters and Kevlar nets are cleaning up space junk. By using xenon gas and smart math, these 'garbage trucks' can safely pull dead rockets out of orbit.
Space junk is a growing problem, but cosmic tow trucks are on the way. Learn how engineers use complex math and ion engines to clean up our orbital lanes safely.
Space is getting crowded with old junk, but a new generation of cleanup satellites using ion thrusters and complex math is helping clear the lanes.
Space is getting crowded with old junk. Discover how new Kevlar-clad 'tow truck' satellites are using ion engines and complex math to clean up our orbit and keep the skies safe.
Space is getting crowded with old junk, but a new generation of 'garbage satellites' is using Kevlar armor and ion engines to clean up the mess and keep our orbits safe.
Predicting where a satellite will land is a high-stakes game of physics. From the 'fat' middle of the Earth to the push of sunlight, find out how engineers track the long fall back home.
Predicting where a satellite will land requires more than just a simple guess. Discover how the Earth's shape and the Moon's gravity play a role in mapping the path of falling space junk.