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Satellites in orbit underpin our modern lives. They are used in many areas and disciplines, including space science, Earth observation, meteorology, climate research, telecommunication, navigation and human space exploration. However,\u00a0as\u00a0space activities\u00a0have increased, a new and unexpected hazard has started to emerge: space debris.<\/p>\n
If\u00a0space debris \u2013 uncontrolled human-made objects such as spent upper stages of rockets and pieces of satellites\u00a0\u2013 hits a satellite, it could cause\u00a0serious\u00a0damage, which can even end a mission (as has\u00a0happened in the past). If debris\u00a0crashes on Earth\u2019s surface, it could potentially hit populated areas.<\/p>\n
In this second video, Nicolas looks back on the first key steps taken at ESA to develop the Space Safety Programme, devoted to the detection, prevention and mitigation of threats originating from space. This includes not just space debris but also asteroids and space weather. The latter is an intense,\u00a0occasional energetic storm\u00a0of particles and material\u00a0emitted by\u00a0the Sun. Mitigating these hazards protects\u00a0our planet, society and economically-important infrastructure on Earth and in orbit.<\/p>\n
A key element for the\u00a0forecasting\u00a0and prevention of space weather is to\u00a0observe\u00a0the Sun from the side. Discover more in this\u00a0second video of the ESA Masterclass with Nicolas Bobrinsky. With 35 years\u00a0of experience at ESA, Nicolas Bobrinsky is the former Head of Ground Systems Engineering & Innovation Department. He initiated and further managed the Space Situational Awareness and later the ESA Space Safety Programme.<\/p>\n
In four episodes of this new series of ESA Masterclass, Nicolas takes us through major events in his career at ESA, covering cornerstone missions, first attempts, overcoming technical challenges, leading diverse teams\u00a0and solving the unexpected problems that are part of any space endeavour.<\/p>\n
Access all episodes of\u00a0ESA Masterclass with Nicolas Brobinsky<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n