Scientists plan measures to prevent interplanetary contamination

Recent advancements in space technology are focused on detecting and deflecting potential meteors to prevent catastrophic impacts on Earth. NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission aims to assess the feasibility of altering an asteroid's trajectory by crashing a spacecraft into it, which has already shown success in changing the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos. The European Space Agency's Hera mission will analyze DART's impact to refine deflection techniques. Meanwhile, the proliferation of space debris from commercial launches, particularly from companies like SpaceX, poses a significant threat to spacecraft and satellite operations, with 99% of objects launched remaining in orbit. Scientists warn that the increasing amount of space junk raises the risk of Kessler syndrome, a scenario where collisions generate more debris, further complicating space safety. As global cooperation grows, the fusion of technology and innovation offers hope for managing these challenges effectively.