The Astronomical Problem of Space Junk

The Astronomical Problem of Space Junk

From There's More to That by Smithsonian Magazine

December 4, 2025 · 27 min · Season 2 · Episode 18

About this episode

This episode discusses the growing threat of space junk and its implications for public safety.

We have launched all manner of satellite and machinery into low-Earth orbit. But what goes up must come down. Most often, these items burn up in the atmosphere upon re-entry, which isn’t good for air quality or the ozone layer. But not everything incinerates — and increasing amounts of debris are hurtling back toward Earth and landing in backyards and farm fields. Falling detritus disrupts air travel and risks collision with infrastructure and people on the ground. There are those who argue that additional regulation is required around the launching and de-orbiting of these materials. In this episode, host Ari Daniel speaks with astronomer Samantha Lawler and Smithsonian contributing writer Dan Falk about space junk and the concern among researchers that it is becoming a growing threat to public safety. To subscribe to “There’s More to That,” and to listen to past episodes about all the shipwrecks hidden beneath the waters of the Great Lakes ; the river of birds, bats and bugs fluttering, often invisibly, in the skies above ; and the story behind the timelessness of Superman , find us on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts. “There’s More to…

People in this episode

Host: Ari Daniel

Guests: Samantha Lawler, Dan Falk

Topics covered

  • space junk
  • public safety
  • satellites
  • debris
  • air travel
  • regulation

Keywords

  • space junk
  • satellites
  • debris
  • public safety
  • air travel
  • regulation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Smithsonian, PRX Productions

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