The amount of trash floating in space continues to increase with dead satellites and other space debris posing potential danger to satellites and other spacecraft. To combat the problem, several means of collecting orbital debris have been proposed, such as through gas clouds, sails and nets.
The problem with these approaches is that they are generally targeted to capture larger objects. Thus, concerns over smaller pieces of debris that whiz around the planet like bullets remains. Such problem, however, may be addressed with a system that could zap these bits using a laser.
Image: A group of scientists proposed a system for eliminating smaller pieces of space junk. The group plans to use fiber optic laser, which could catch objects as small as a centimeter in diameter. - Photo : Abd allah Foteih | Flickr
