Space Debris: Is Bangladesh Prepared for

the Orbital Junkyard?

The vast and infinite expanse of space, once thought to be a blank slate for humanity's exploration, is
now under siege from an insidious and growing threat that looms ominously over our very existence.
This menace is none other than space debris, an ever-expanding field of abandoned satellites, spent
rocket stages, and other detritus that relentlessly orbits our planet at breathtaking speeds, posing a
grave and existential threat to our continued progress.

The quest to unlock the secrets of the cosmos has always been a defining characteristic of humanity, a
relentless drive to reach for the stars and grasp the untold wonders of the universe. However, our
journey towards the heavens has been repeatedly impeded by the daunting problem of space debris,
and Bangladesh finds itself in the same predicament. The sheer numbers alone are staggering; with over
128 million debris particles floating in orbit around Earth, as estimated by the United Nations Office for
Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and 34,000 pieces larger than 10 cm, the risk of collisions is ever-
increasing, bringing with it the looming danger of destroying functioning satellites and creating even
more debris. These hazards pose an existential threat not only to space missions but also to
communication and navigation systems, which are critical to modern society's functioning. For
Bangladesh's space program, which seeks to explore and understand the universe, the ever-growing
quantities of debris in orbit represent a formidable and imposing obstacle to progress. Without
immediate action, the future of space exploration in Bangladesh is shrouded in uncertainty, and the
consequences for society could be catastrophic.

Space debris is a complex and multifaceted issue that demands a thorough understanding of its causes
and consequences. The origin of space debris is diverse, stemming from the remnants of satellites,
rockets, and other spacecraft that are no longer in use, as well as natural phenomena such as
meteoroids and comets. As these objects orbit Earth, they pose a grave and formidable threat to
functioning satellites, space exploration, and communication and navigation systems that form the
backbone of society. In fact, a single collision between debris and an active satellite could have
catastrophic and disastrous consequences, potentially leading to the loss of critical services such as
weather forecasting, telecommunications, and GPS tracking. As such, it is imperative that we take swift
and decisive action to address this growing problem before it wreaks irreparable havoc on our
technological and scientific progress.

The issue of space debris is a highly complex and multifaceted problem that demands extensive research
and expertise. Fortunately, there are credible and reputable sources of information that provide a solid
foundation for understanding the scope and magnitude of the issue. Organizations such as the United
Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been at the forefront of research and analysis of
space debris for years, providing invaluable insights and solutions to mitigate its effects. Their research
and data are widely considered to be the most reliable and valid in the field, serving as a critical resource
for governments, space agencies, and researchers worldwide. In a field where the stakes are high, and
the consequences of errors can be catastrophic, having access to trustworthy information and expert
analysis is paramount.
One of the most important steps that the global community can take to address the problem of space
debris is to establish international guidelines for debris mitigation. Organizations such as the United
Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and the Inter-Agency Space Debris
Coordination Committee (IADC) have already developed a set of guidelines for debris mitigation, which
cover various aspects of space operations, including the design, operation, and end-of-life disposal of
spacecraft. In the quest to combat the escalating threat of space debris, Bangladesh can take an essential
step towards safeguarding its space program and the future of space exploration by establishing a
dedicated space debris mitigation agency or committee. Such an agency would be a vital player in
mitigating the ever-growing risks posed by space debris to functioning satellites, communication and
navigation systems, and the success of space missions. By working closely with renowned international
organizations such as NASA and ESA, this agency can develop and implement robust guidelines for debris
mitigation, promote international cooperation in space exploration, and monitor and regulate the debris
generated by Bangladesh's space program. In this way, Bangladesh can effectively safeguard its space
program's success and continue its ambitious exploration of the cosmos, ensuring its place among the
leading nations in space research and exploration.

The culmination of this extensive research has bestowed upon me a profound comprehension of the
multifaceted impact of space debris on Bangladesh and the globe. The intricate balance between the
advantages of space exploration and the potential harm it may cause is a delicate dance that requires
attention and care. We must remain aware of the repercussions of our actions, for the mitigation of
space debris necessitates a collaborative effort from all nations invested in space activities. In order to
ensure a sustainable future for space exploration, Bangladesh must do its part in developing and
implementing solutions to mitigate space debris, as this will protect the continued functionality of space
missions and safeguard communication and navigation systems. This research is a clarion call to action
for nations involved in space exploration to come together, cooperate and implement strategies that will
ensure the preservation of the cosmos for future generations.

Bibliography:

1. "Space Debris." European Space Agency, www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_Debris.

2. "Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space."
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs,
www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/spacelaw/space-debris/mitigation-guidelines.html.

3. "NASA Orbital Debris Program Office." National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 1 Oct.
2020, www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/about/information/orbitaldebris.html.

4. "Space Debris and Its Mitigation." European Space Agency, 11 Feb. 2021,
www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_Debris/Space_debris_and_its_mitigation.

5. Klinkrad, Heiner. Space Debris: Models and Risk Analysis. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg,
2006.
6. "The Kessler Syndrome: A Threat to Space Operations." European Space Agency, 23 Jan. 2020,
www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Space_Debris/The_Kessler_Syndrome_A_threat_to_space_operati
ons.