Space junk cleanup mission prepares for launch

Harpoons, nets and sails are to be sent into space in an effort to tackle the problem of space junk, scientists have revealed. The mission, dubbed RemoveDebris, is expected to launch early next year and will test a range of devices designed to sweep up litter orbiting the Earth. Without such technology, the scientists say, satellite-based communication, weather monitoring and navigation systems could be at risk. “The problem with so much junk up there now is it is actually starting to prove a real issue, and the chance of collisions is increasing all the time,” said Jason Forshaw, the project manager of RemoveDebris at the Surrey Space Centre. More

(Source: The Guardian - Jul 5)