How We’re Turning Orbit into a Junkyard

Send us Fan MailThe Space Garbage Problem – How We’re Turning Orbit into a JunkyardSpace isn’t empty anymore—and what we’ve left up there could shape the future of satellites, exploration, and everyday life on Earth. Orbiting at 17,500 miles per hour, dead satellites, rocket bodies, and millions of invisible fragments form an unseen minefield above our heads. A piece of debris no bigger than a paint chip can strike with the force of a bullet, and one collision can trigger thousands more in a runaway chain reaction known as the Kessler Syndrome.In this episode, we explore how decades of launches, Cold War shortcuts, and exploding leftovers turned low Earth orbit into one of the most crowded environments humans have ever created. We’ll break down what space junk is, how it got there, why it’s getting worse, and why it matters to everything from GPS and weather forecasts to banking and disaster warnings.There’s no cleanup crew in space—and almost everything we’ve ever launched is still circling Earth. The question now isn’t if orbital junk is a problem, but whether we can stop turning the space around our planet into a permanent junkyard before it closes off the skies we depend on. Being Me Is the Best Thing to Be by Judy Erb tells the story of Honey, a curious little turtle who learns that being herself is the very best thing to be. It's a wonderful read for children, parents, and grandparents, celebrating self-confidence and self-acceptance. Be Like Honey Being Me Is the Best Thing to Be by Judy Erb tells the story of Honey, a curious little turtle who  Fresh From Cache™Created by IT professional Joel Folgner, Fresh From Cache delivers tech news, how-tos, and straightf Looking for something new to do with family or friends? Check out QR Hunter, the build-your-own scavenger hunt game that turns any home, backyard, or park into an exciting adventure! Simply purchase the official QR Hunter QR code tiles on Amazon, download the free QR Hunter app, hide the QR codes, create your own clues, and let the hunt begin. When you're finished, just hide the codes in new places and play again! It's perfect for kids and adults alike, combining f PatreonSupport the show by becoming Patreon . Listen AD free and a week early. Have some one on one time wiOld GloryUse Code INFOGO to get 15% off at checkoutCozy EarthUse Code INFOGO to get 21% OFF Strong Coffee Company Get 20% OFF at chePatreonSupport the show by becoming Patreon . Listen AD free and a week early. Have some one on one time wiCozy EarthUse Code INFOGO to get 21% OFF Strong Coffee Company Get 20% OFF at checkout with Code: INFOGOMantra MatchaUse code INFOGO at checkout and get 15%. Every purchase helps provide meals to kids through No KidOld GloryUse Code INFOGO to get 15% off at checkoutDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showThank You for listening and Stay curious,Kat & WilliamEmail  [email protected] you would like to support Info On The Go click the link belowhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2434258/support Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us a review.Follow us on Facebook at Info on the Go!https://www.facebook.com/share/g/159DdiptQh/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://infoonthego.buzzsprout.com