Some ‘Star Wars’ stories have already become reality

There are elements of these ancient, distant George Lucas stories that might seem like science fiction but are, in fact, science reality.

William Schonberg, Professor of Civil Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology • conversation
May 1, 2025 ~6 min

Thousands of satellites are due to burn up in the atmosphere every year – damaging the ozone layer and changing the climate

The number of satellites is exploding, and we still don’t have a fully safe way to dispose of them.

Ian Williams, Professor of Applied Environmental Science, University of Southampton • conversation
March 20, 2025 ~7 min


To guard against cyberattacks in space, researchers ask ‘what if?’

Sabotaged space stations, falsified space probe data and faked alien contact are just a few of the scenarios a report on space cybersecurity outlines.

Patrick Lin, Professor of Philosophy, California Polytechnic State University • conversation
July 3, 2024 ~9 min

Welcome to the age of space scepticism – and a growing revolt against elites

Billionaires such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are among those most vocal about the benefits of exploring, mining and colonising space.

Tony Milligan, Research Fellow in the Philosophy of Ethics, Cosmological Visionaries project, King's College London • conversation
June 5, 2024 ~8 min

Scientists and space agencies are shooting for the Moon -- 5 essential reads on modern lunar missions

Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the Moon made 2023 a big year for lunar exploration, and future years will come with even more discoveries.

Mary Magnuson, Assistant Science Editor • conversation
Dec. 12, 2023 ~8 min

Space junk in Earth orbit and on the Moon will increase with future missions − but nobody's in charge of cleaning it up

Treaties meant to ensure sustainability in space don’t currently regulate private companies, and not every country has signed on to an agreement for sustainable space exploration.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Aug. 31, 2023 ~8 min

Mars is littered with 15,694 pounds of human trash from 50 years of robotic exploration

Discarded pieces of landing gear, crashed spacecraft and wear and tear have produced a lot of debris that is now scattered around the Martian surface.

Cagri Kilic, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Robotics, West Virginia University • conversation
Sept. 20, 2022 ~6 min

Scientists calculate the risk of someone being killed by space junk

The southern hemisphere is more likely to be hit by space debris than the northern one.

Monica Grady, Professor of Planetary and Space Sciences, The Open University • conversation
July 25, 2022 ~7 min


Russian anti-satellite weapon test: What happened and what are the risks?

Russia destroyed one of its old satellites during a successful test of an anti-satellite weapon. A space security expert explains what this weapon was and the dangers of the expanding debris field.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies • conversation
Nov. 16, 2021 ~8 min

If a satellite falls on your house, space law protects you – but there are no legal penalties for leaving junk in orbit

Chances are small that space junk will destroy property or harm a person, and existing space law could deal with such an event. But current law doesn't address the bigger problem of space pollution.

Timiebi Aganaba, Assistant Professor of Space and Society, Arizona State University • conversation
May 17, 2021 ~9 min

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