Into the Space Debris Swamp

About this episode

This episode discusses the issue of space debris and efforts to address it, featuring insights from experts.

Izzie & Dr Becky think that space needs a spring clean, so this episode is all about space debris. What is it? How big of a problem is it? And what is being done to remove it?  With thanks to PhD student Megan Perks from the University of Southampton, who studies how safe all these new satellite constellations are, and photographer Max Alexander, who has created an exhibition all about space debris. It’s called  Our Fragile Space  and it’s on for free outside of the Royal Astronomical Society until 10th May 2026. Join  The Supermassive Club  for ad-free listening, forum access, and extra content from the team. And email your questions to  podcast@ras.ac.uk  or follow us on Instagram, @SupermassivePod. The Supermassive Podcast is a Boffin Media production. The producers are Izzie Clarke and Richard Hollingham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Izzie Clarke, Dr Becky

Guest: Megan Perks

Topics covered

• space debris
• satellite constellations
• environmental impact
• space safety
• exhibitions

Keywords

• space debris
• satellites
• environment
• safety
• exhibition
• astronomy
• cleaning space

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Southampton, Royal Astronomical Society, Boffin Media

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