Space Debris: How bad is it?

The problem of space debris is gaining attention.

With several (private) companies unveiling plans to severely increase the amount of satellites that orbit the earth, it is rightfully doing so.

With this symposium we want to draw attention to and increase knowledge about the space debris problem. The visitors will be informed about the influence of space debris on astronomy, exploration and how to solve the problem.

Questions that lay the foundation of the discussion are: How will the huge amount of (retired) satellites influence astronomy? What are the consequences for space exploration if satellites crash into each other? What can we do to reduce the amount of junk that is left in space?

• Jure Rapelj, Anton Pannekoek Institute: Space debris and astronomy
• Tiago Soares, European Space Agency:  Clean Space initiative
• Erwin Mooij, TU Delft: How bad is it, actually?