ESA Plans Space Waste Zero Mission

Illustration of space junk (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA The European Space Agency (ESA) has an ambitious mission to address the problem of space debris. The brand released the Zero Debris Technical book in December 2024 to reach zero space junk.

This is an almost impossible target because there are billions of trash in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and more than 25,000 debris larger than 10cm. Both small and large, the debris in space is moving very fast.

Although it seems that this mission is very difficult to achieve, ESA proposes a solution to address the problem of space debris through the Zero Debris Technical book. The agency presents the main technical needs, solutions, and drivers to achieve the target of zero debris.

According to ESA, the first thing that needs to be done is to stop creating waste by deliberately releasing debris. In addition, the development of an alternative propulsion system to avoid the release of large numbers of particles.

The ESA also alluded to increasing surveillance and coordination of space traffic (STC) to, "prevent collisions and reduce unnecessary collision avoidance maneuvers." Of course, this effort also requires technological solutions.

However, the most important thing is collaboration with various parties because moving debris is the only solution. This transfer requires the right effort. There are many things that need to be resolved so that the target of zero debris in space must be carried out together.

If only ESA carries out these efforts, they will face enormous challenges and this target may not be achieved. The more parties who join, the sooner this initiative will take place.