Space junk.

science talk with

Dr Carsten Wiedemann

TU Braunschweig Institute of Space Systems

Space debris and its dangers.

The topic of space debris was once again omnipresent in the media: the ISS battery pack flew over Germany and crashed into the Atlantic.

In the next science talk, in cooperation with Volkswagen, we will pick up on this current topic.

Planet Earth is surrounded by many small particles.

Three years ago, the International Space Station dropped a battery from the ISS. Now the media are reporting that this space debris is hitting the earth. The fact is that the Earth is surrounded by space debris.

In low earth orbits, where satellites orbit, there is a danger from objects that have been left behind or are no longer functional. If these objects hit satellites, this can lead to major problems. The speeds at which these objects can collide are extremely high: around ten kilometres per second. This means that even small parts can cause major damage. Objects larger than one centimetre are particularly dangerous because they can disable satellites.

Functionless satellites, upper stages of rockets, probes, fragments from collisions or explosions - there are currently around 900,000 artificial objects larger than one centimetre in orbit around the Earth.

A satellite is hovering above the planet Earth.

Dive into the depths of the universe as Dr Wiedemann sheds light on the background to space debris. Learn more about the hidden dangers that accompany this waste and be impressed by the astonishing insights into the challenges of space travel. Join us as we break through the boundaries of knowledge and take a look into the infinite vastness of space!

Satellite above the planet Earth.

We are looking forward to the science talk with Dr Carsten Wiedemann, Senior Academic Advisor at the Institute of Space Systems (IRAS) at the Technical University of Braunschweig, and member of the DLR delegation to the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee in Working Group 2.

  • on Thursday, 11 April 2024
  • at 18:30
  • in the phaeno Science Theatre, admission is free

The events will be hybrid in presence and as YouTube livestream offered.