# How Orbital Debris Could End Space Exploration - Episode 59

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/behind-the-wings-5485390/how-orbital-debris-could-end-space-exploration-episode-59
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/behind-the-wings-5485390/how-orbital-debris-could-end-space-exploration-episode-59.md
Podcast: [Behind the Wings](https://stenobird.com/podcast/behind-the-wings-5485390)
Published: 2025-07-28T19:50:45+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba1314eb
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/ba1314eb/d036fee3.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/behind-the-wings-5485390/episodes/how-orbital-debris-could-end-space-exploration-episode-59
Duration seconds: 2387

## Resource

Astrophysicist Dr. Jonathan McDowell explains how the ever-growing problem of space junk is threatening satellites, science missions, and even spaceflight as we know it. In this episode, Jonathan discusses orbital debris, anti-satellite missiles, clean-up efforts, and how one incident could cause a communication blackout for decades. In the lawless realm of low Earth orbit, we could see a future where space exploration comes to a halt altogether. However, some companies are testing solutions that aim to alleviate the problem before it's too late. There is a lot to learn! Resources: Jonathan's Bio Jonathan's Space Report Space Debris (NASA) Wild Wild Space Trailer (HBO Max) Chapters: (00:00) - Intro (01:32) - Space Junk Overview (05:11) - Small Debris Damage (07:54) - Aerospace Beginnings (09:37) - Tracking Launches (11:39) - Dodging Debris (15:21) - Anti-Satellite Missiles (20:36) - Space Air Traffic Control (23:27) - Safer Altitudes (24:47) - The End of the ISS (29:17) - How Space Junk is Blocking Research (31:52) - Billboards in Space (33:47) - Satellite Designs (35:05) - Cleaning Up (36:07) - Jonathan's Advice (38:14) - Outro

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## Transcript

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