Objects In Orbit and Magnetic Technology

Exactly what are you looking at when you peer up at the night sky and see those bright, sparkling lights, and how is an object put into space?

 

It could be a satellite that provides you with your cable and Internet access, or it could be an asteroid just looking for a place to park. There are over 300 known objects in orbit near Earth, with many, many more still undiscovered.

Near Earth orbit objects can include satellites, both artificial and natural, but NASA keeps a close eye on the natural objects that come near Earth. The "Near-Earth Object Program," sponsored by NASA, follows asteroids that not only haunt our skies, but track objects veering close to other planets in our solar system. Other similar programs include Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT), Spacewatch, and the Japanese Spaceguard Association.

 

Watching the skies might seem like a harmless hobby, but it's actually serious business. The wrong asteroid, at the wrong time, in the wrong place could cause immense damage to our planet. Many eyes are on our skies, watching Apophis, a potentially Earth-threatening asteroid, among many others. Theories and plans to change the trajectory of these potentially damaging hunks of space rock are being discussed; magnetic technology is one of them.

When you think of objects in orbit and launching vehicles, it's unlikely you're thinking about the magnets on your refrigerator. However, from those little magnets came the idea of using magnetic technology to launch vehicles and objects into their proper orbit. In this way, we have the potential to use magnetic technology as a defense against possible planetary annihilation.

 

This method of harnessing the power of magnets is beneficial because it saves money and resources. Traditionally, when placing objects in orbit and launching vehicles, rockets are used. This process takes up to five stages to complete, which is not only expensive, but dangerous as well. In response, scientists developed a different, less costly and more effective way of launching objects.

 

Despite its success, magnetic technology still has issues to overcome, such as the intense g forces required. The Air Force's Office of Scientific Research continues to research and experiment with ways to improve it.

A launch vehicle can be an expendable unit designed for one use, or a reusable unit for repeat missions. An example of a reusable vehicle is the space shuttle. Either type of launch vehicle needs a great deal of energy to be placed in orbit, and magnetic technology could be the answer. With more energy, more vehicles are available for repeat launches. This might become a factor as more potentially dangerous natural satellites are discovered.

 

The night skies are full of beauty and light, but there is danger in that beauty. Continuous observation and cutting edge technology could not only increase our knowledge of our universe, but also protect the planet from a dangerous asteroid impact. Launching objects in orbit and launching vehiclesis our first line of defense, and finding the cheapest and easiest way increases our odds significantly.

 

 

Armagh Observatory (2004). Current Map of the Solar System. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the Armagh Observatory Web site.

 

Near Earth Object Program (n.d.). Predicting Apophis' Earth Encounters in 2029 and 2036. Retrieved March 20, 2008, from the Near Earth Object Program Web site.

 

Shiga, David (2006). Huge "Launch Ring" to Fling Satellites Into Orbit. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the New Scientist Space Web site.

 

Shiga, David (2008). Asteroid Tracking Proposal Wins $25,000 Prize. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the New Scientist Space Web site.