Mmastodon ScienceSpace Policy first seen 46 d ago, last 54 min ago, peak #4
Falling space junk risk rising, experts warn
Original: "For now, people are more likely to be struck by lightning than by falling space junk. But those odds are shifting. Sean
Experts, including former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe, say the odds of a person being struck by falling space debris are increasing as launches multiply, even though getting hit by lightning remains more likely for now. They are calling on governments and companies to be required to use materials that will fully burn up on re-entry, amid growing debate over regulating the space industry.
Why now: Rising launch activity and recent high-profile debris re-entries have put space junk safety and regulation back in the news.
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 123 snapshots from 6 d ago to 54 min ago.
Evidence
- "For now, people are more likely to be struck by lightning than by falling space junk. But those odds are shifting. Sean O’Keefe, a former NASA administrator, ... and other experts say that governments and companies should be compelled to use materials that will fully… · space_environmentalism · 45
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