'Electrodynamic' Tether Would Pull Space Junk From Orbit

The image it gives is one of an enormous 'No Pest Strip' in space. JAXA scientists are preparing to test an electrodynamic tether they say will be able to pull space junk out of orbit.

Researchers from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) developed the tether from thin wires of aluminum and stainless steel, according to a report from the French news service AFP. The theory is that electricity from the tether would interact with the Earth's magnetic field, slowing old satellites to the point that their orbits would decay and they would eventually burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.

Masahiro Nohmi, associate professor at Kagawa University, said that the experiment "is specifically designed to contribute to developing a space debris cleaning method."

Hohmi said that a satellite with the tether aboard is expected to be launched February 28. The two main objectives of the flight will be to deploy the tether and to observe the transfer of electricity.

There are reportedly some 20,000 pieces of space junk in orbit around the earth, including old satellites, parts from rockets, and other fragments that can pose a danger to satellites and manned space missions.

FMI: www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html