Space Junk from International Space Station Reenters Earth’s Atmosphere over Pacific Ocean
On March 8, 2024, a significant event occurred in the realm of space exploration. Space junk that had been orbiting Earth for the past few years finally made its reentry into the planet’s atmosphere. The location of this reentry was predicted to be over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This uncontrolled reentry was closely monitored by Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, who provided valuable insights into the trajectory of the space junk.
The space junk in question was a discarded equipment pallet that had been jettisoned from the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021. This pallet was initially brought to the ISS by a Japanese supply ship to aid astronauts in replacing old nickel-hydrogen batteries with new lithium-ion batteries. After serving its purpose, the pallet began its journey back to Earth, gradually orbiting the planet until its reentry in 2024.
Although the pallet was large in size, not all of it burned up in Earth’s atmosphere. According to McDowell, approximately half a ton of fragments from the space junk would have hit the Earth’s surface. The exact location of where these fragments landed remains unknown, but given the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, it is not surprising that it served as the final destination for this space debris.
The Pacific Ocean is an ideal location for controlled reentries as well. Referred to as the “spacecraft cemetery” or Point Nemo, it is the oceanic pole of inaccessibility, farthest from any land. Controlled reentries are carefully planned to ensure that space debris does not pose a threat to populated areas on Earth.
The issue of space junk is a growing concern in near-Earth orbit. As of now, there are more than 37,000 pieces of debris larger than a softball orbiting the planet. This problem has been recognized for decades, with NASA scientist Donald Kessler raising concerns as early as 1978. The Kessler syndrome, named after him, envisions a scenario where the density of objects in low-Earth orbit becomes so high that it triggers a cascade of collisions, generating even more space debris and increasing the likelihood of further collisions.
Furthermore, space junk is not limited to orbit alone. Surprisingly, there are approximately 100 bags of human waste on the moon. As future missions, like Artemis, aim to explore the moon extensively, this number is expected to grow.
The reentry of the space junk from the ISS serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by space debris. With more countries and private companies venturing into space, the problem of space junk is only expected to worsen. It is crucial for organizations and governments to address this issue and develop effective strategies for cleaning up and managing space debris.
In conclusion, the reentry of space junk from the International Space Station over the Pacific Ocean on March 8, 2024, highlights the growing problem of space debris. The discarded equipment pallet, which had been orbiting Earth for several years, made its final descent, leaving behind fragments that likely hit the Earth’s surface. As we continue to explore and utilize space, it is essential to prioritize the management and mitigation of space junk to ensure the sustainability of future space missions.
