Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US joins fight against debris orbiting Earth

 

Irene Klotz
Thursday 19 January 2012 06:00 EST
Comments
This undated artist rendering provided by EADS Astrium shows the satellite ROSAT.
This undated artist rendering provided by EADS Astrium shows the satellite ROSAT. (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The United States will join with Europe and other nations to hammer out a code of conduct for space activities, including how to deal with the growing problem of debris circling Earth.

"Unless the international community addresses these challenges, the environment around our planet will become increasingly hazardous to human spaceflight and satellite systems, which would create damaging consequences for all of us," US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said in a statement.

The announcement followed reports that the US would not sign an EU draft of an International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities because it impinged on the military's use of space.

Among the most pressing problem in space is orbital debris, an issue that gained considerable attention after China launched a missile to destroy one of its defunct weather satellites in 2007, but instead added hundreds of pieces of debris to the junk cloud.

There are more than 10,000 objects orbiting Earth, including spent rocket bodies, decommissioned satellites and spacecraft fragments. REUTERS

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in