Scientists set to laser-blast orbiting space debris

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ANI Washington
Last Updated : Mar 11 2014 | 5:10 PM IST

Scientists have reportedly come up with a plan that would use lasers to remove orbiting space debris.

The Australian government has announced a 20 million dollars Cooperative Research Centre that will investigate using lasers to locate, track, and remove debris from space.

According to Cnet, researchers believe that at least several hundred thousand pieces of space debris are stuck out in orbit around the planet, creating hazards for satellites and spacecraft.

Matthew Colless, director of the Australian National University Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Mount Stromlo said that everywhere humans have been in space, they leave some trash behind.

Colless said that the project intends to clean up space to avoid the growing risks of collisions and to make sure we don't have the kind of event portrayed in 'Gravity'.

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First Published: Mar 11 2014 | 4:54 PM IST

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