Whats up there.

[astroron]

For all the people who keep seeing moving lights in the sky, have a look at this article;)
I am posting it here as I think it may get the most views, than on the science thread:D

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120518-danger-space-junk-alert

Cheers :thumbsup:

[gary]

Hi Ron,

Specializing in space law certainly sounds like a sure way to guarantee a long
wait between clients at the moment.

For those wishing to idle away their professional life as a lawyer, this course is
probably a good starting point -
http://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/undergraduate/courses/2012/LAWS3291.html

Until something changes, if a bit of debris from the other fella's spacecraft hits
yours, don't count on his insurance policy to get back your no claim bonus.

[Ric]

Fascinating article Ron.

Cheers for the link.

[Intergage]

Very interesting read. Thanks.

[jjjnettie]

Thanks for the link Ron.

Interestingly, author Robert Heinlein touches on the topic a number times in his short stories and novels. Interesting because he considered this problem even before the first Satellite was sent into orbit. :) (They don't call his stories "Future History" for nothing. :D)
For example in his 1948 novel "Space Cadets" his characters talk about the fines and disciplinary action that would occur if they "littered" while in open space.
In other works, he explains how they have rigged the ships to avoid junk and meteors by using radar to sound an alarm if an unclassified object appears on collision course, then the ship automatically takes evasive action.