Australia’s EOS has teamed up with the Space Environment Research Center to develop a laser that can push space debris out of orbit. It would be the first laser that can effectively change the course of space debris.
According to EOS, it took seven years to develop the laser. Now the researchers have managed to use a star guide laser to target space debris and push the object out of orbit.
The laser is located in Canberra and is part of the Mount Stromlo Observatory. A Channel 9 broadcast shows how the laser is activated, although the visible laser is only the laser that determines the position of the piece of space junk. When the piece of space junk to be pushed is found, a second laser is activated and gives the object a nudge.
According to EOS, space debris is a growing problem. It is estimated that there are nearly 130 million objects in orbit around the Earth. This waste poses a risk to satellites and the International Space Station, for example. This laser could push debris that appears to collide with a satellite or the ISS out of orbit to prevent damage.