back to article ESA preps space junk radar

The European Space Agency has announced €4 million in funding to build a demonstrator of a radar system to detect space junk before it puts operational equipment at risk. France’s national aerospace research body ONERA is to work with five commercial partners in France, Spain and Switzerland to develop a demonstrator of the …

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  1. Ryan 7
    Trollface

    Does the ESA even have any...

    ..."operational equipment" up there?

  2. James 51

    If I remember correctly they do have some satellites up there with sensors pointing down at the Earth. Mostly climate monitoring stuff.

  3. sandman

    Lots of stuff

    ESA has a whole bunch of satellites up there, with a goodly number of planned misions on the way, so a radar makes sense. With those capabilities it might also make a good ballistic missile warning radar...

  4. Alan Brown Silver badge

    All very well tracking it

    but why not try and collect the stuff so it's not a hazard anymore?

    1. Graham Marsden
      Boffin

      @Alan Brown - Re: All very well tracking it

      Good idea, you start - http://news.discovery.com/space/could-space-junk-leave-us-stranded-on-earth-110902.html

      1. Elmer Phud
        Boffin

        Re: @Alan Brown - All very well tracking it

        They are sending up a white Transit pick-up driven by a suspect looking bloke who has a large dog as passenger.

        Any issues with getting the thing to escape gravity have been dealt with as the large bell isn't needed 'cos it won't work out there.

  5. TRT Silver badge

    Get Straker on the job...

    "It's a beautification campaign..."

    "Well, I can't say you don't need it."

  6. Michael 28
    Happy

    The first step...

    Phase one of "Operation Flypaper"

  7. Jacqui

    Where is Sam Gunn Unlimited

    when he is needed....

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