Why can't you just throw spacestation trash into space?

Answer 1

The amount of space junk is insignificant in the vastness of space especially compared to the asteroids and rocks that are already out there.

There should, however, be curbs on radioactive materials being sent out as they could, after vast periods of time, end up on another planet. Again we have to remember the vastness of space and the extremely remote chance of it happening but we should try to be ethical.

The amount of rubbish dumped in the oceans is, however, probably more significant and the dumping of nuclear waste and decommissioned nuclear submarines is certainly a serious problem that world leaders hope won't affect them in their lifetime.

But then who would pay hugely more tax to help people in a thousand years time?

Answer 2

No reason at all, while there are still pristine places remaining on earth

that have not been trashed yet.

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Any kind of mass in orbit is valuable, because it takes a lot of fuel to bring mass up from the surface of the Earth. There won't be any "rubbish" in space; when we get orbital colonies built, everything will be recycled and reused.

In fact, I expect one of the first jobs of people living in space full time will be "junk collector", picking up the pieces of all the broken and disabled satellites that are now littering space. Whatever they are, the pieces can be built into something new.

Answer 3

Throwing space station trash into space can be dangerous, as the debris could collide with other spacecraft or satellites, creating a risk of damage. Additionally, the trash could eventually re-enter Earth's atmosphere, posing a hazard to people and property on the ground. As a result, space agencies have developed more controlled methods for managing and disposing of space station waste.