Space Debris, A Barrier to the Future?

The very instruments that opened our world and how we communicate are now starting to box us in. Satellites and other space debris are starting to clog up our skies. What is the future of space exploration and expansion of communication technology if we can’t even leave Earth’s orbit?

Hear Dr Sara Webb from Swinburne Univeristy and Tom Dixon from Space Machines Company discuss the issue of space debris, what's being done about it and the importance of collaboration to solve the problem.

This program discusses themes raised in NCM exhibition Artificial Sky, more information about the exhibition can be found here.

As this program has limited capacity, please ensure you arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Dr Sara Webb is an Astrophysicist and Mission Director at Swinburne University of Technology. Sara is one of Australia's leading science communicators, working with national and international media stations on 100s of stories a year, sharing the wonder of astronomy and space science to all audiences. Her social media explainer videos reach 10s of millions of people a year, and her written science communication articles have been published worldwide in print as well as online. Her latest written work, 'The Little Book of Cosmic Catastrophes' releases worldwide in October. In it, she explores the universe's most dramatic events with her signature blend of expertise and enthusiasm. As a Lecturer at Swinburne University of Technology, Sara researches the universe's fastest explosions using some of the world's most powerful telescopes. She also leads Australia's longest-running student-designed International Space Station experiment program, inspiring the next generation of space explorers. Sara was instrumental in developing the content for Artificial Sky at NCM.

sarawebbscience.com

Tom Dixon is a Product Designer at Space Machines Company based in Sydney where he works on vehicle and service design as well as prototyping, branding, product conceptualisation and media production. Tom is also the Lead Designer and Director at Conex Research where he consults on product design for aerospace, branding and digital asset management. He has a lifelong passion for aerospace and envisages a future where design enhances the products and services used in space and help contribute to increased space exploration and improved life on Earth.

You can find out more about the work Tom and the Space Machines team do here

• NCM is fully wheelchair accessible
• This program includes limited seating and standing room
• All gender and accessible toilets available on both levels
• Hearing loop available
• This program is Auslan interpreted