Researchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.

In science fiction films, nothing raises tension quite like the good guys’ spaceship getting caught in an invisible tractor beam that allows the baddies to slowly reel them in. But what was once only a sci-fi staple could soon become a reality.

This real-life tractor beam wouldn’t suck in helpless starship pilots, however. Instead, it would use electrostatic attraction to nudge hazardous space junk into a safer Earth orbit where it cannot smash into working spacecraft.

Sci-Fi Inspired Tractor Beams Are Real, and Could Solve a Major Space Junk Problem

As humanity continues to explore and utilize space, the amount of space junk orbiting the Earth has become a significant concern. Space junk, also known as orbital debris, consists of man-made objects such as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or explosions. This debris poses a serious threat to both active spacecraft and astronauts in Earth’s orbit.

The problem of space junk has compounded over the years as more countries and private companies launch satellites and spacecraft into space. With no universal regulations in place for managing end-of-life disposal of satellites, the amount of debris in orbit continues to grow. Collisions between space junk and active satellites can create dangerous shrapnel that can further contribute to the problem.

Efforts are underway to address the space junk problem, including initiatives to track and monitor debris, as well as strategies to remove large objects from orbit. However, more needs to be done to effectively manage the growing issue of space junk. If left unchecked, the growing space junk problem could hobble the booming space exploration industry, experts warn.