Group tackling space debris

Although the U.S. Air Force tracks space debris swirling around the planet, some of the world's biggest commercial satellite operators are sharing data to help prevent collisions in what's considered a growing problem. They've formed the Space Data Association to create computer tools that help in what's called "space situational awareness." The swirling mass around Earth includes operational spacecraft and debris, and it's getting harder to track, much less clean up. (Source: Aviation Week, 03/27/12) Gulf Coast note: The 20th Space Control Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., tracks some 22,000 orbiting satellites with the world's most powerful radar. Previous post