Breakthrough on Plastic Pollution Within Reach

First, these negotiations unfolded amid geopolitical complexities, economic challenges and multilateral strains. These external factors created and continue to create real difficulties.

Second, ending plastic pollution is a complex and far-reaching task that affects many countries in many diverse ways.

Third, all comparable negotiations for other agreements took much longer than the three and a half years we have been at it.

More…

now do space junk

We need another breakthrough, actual collection of plastic rubbish.

Apart from collecting plastic in rivers and creeks we also need to look at road ways to collect plastic rubbish.

Drones can achieve this with human management.

SCIENCE said:

now do space junk

A long ladder is needed.

Tau.Neutrino said:

SCIENCE said:

now do space junk

A long ladder is needed.

Tau.Neutrino said:

We need another breakthrough, actual collection of plastic rubbish.

Apart from collecting plastic in rivers and creeks we also need to look at road ways to collect plastic rubbish.

Drones can achieve this with human management.

There are thousands of roads in every country.

Over time statistical data could be built up:

Showing the roads with the most plastic build up.

Which are the cleanest roads.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

We need another breakthrough, actual collection of plastic rubbish.

Apart from collecting plastic in rivers and creeks we also need to look at road ways to collect plastic rubbish.

Drones can achieve this with human management.

There are thousands of roads in every country.

Over time statistical data could be built up:

Showing the roads with the most plastic build up.

Which are the cleanest roads.

Imagine adding up all the kms of roads around the world.

That’s a lot of roads for drones and humans to manage plastic waste.

SCIENCE said:

now do space junk

People throw rubbish out of their cars and are throwing rubbish into space, people are filthy.

SCIENCE said:

now do space junk

All This from Google AI

Cleaning space debris involves active removal missions using robotic arms, nets, or harpoons for large objects, and concepts like laser ablation for smaller pieces, but the main solutions focus on capture-and-deorbit via “space tugs,” magnetic docking, or nets to bring junk into Earth’s atmosphere to burn up, while future methods explore orbital recycling, plus preventative measures like designing satellites for end-of-life disposal.

You tube Video How to Clean Up Space Debris

Active Removal Methods (For Large Debris)

Robotic Arms/Claws:
Missions like ClearSpace-1 aim to use a robotic arm to grab defunct satellites, then de-orbit them.

Nets:
DART (RemoveDEBRIS mission) successfully tested a net to capture debris in orbit, slowing it for atmospheric re-entry.

Harpoons:
A harpoon can spear debris to attach a tether, pulling it down.

Magnetic Docking:
Companies like Astroscale are developing magnetic tugs that attach to satellites (with pre-installed docking plates) to move them.

Space Tugs:
A “tug” spacecraft approaches, attaches, and maneuvers the debris into a lower orbit for controlled burn-up.

Youtube Video 4 Ways To Capture Space Debris

Passive & Future Methods

Lasers (Ground-Based):
Lasers fired from Earth can ablate (vaporize) small parts of debris, creating thrust to nudge them into lower orbits where they burn up.

ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs):
Long conductive tethers generate forces in Earth’s magnetic field to de-orbit satellites.

Sponge Foam/Shields:
Large, thin shields or foam can slow down smaller particles, causing them to re-enter faster.

In-Orbit Servicing:
Refueling, repairing, or de-orbiting satellites using robotic systems, rather than just capturing them.

Mitigation (Preventing New Debris)

Design for Demise: Building satellites to burn up more easily on re-entry.

Graveyard Orbits: Moving satellites to higher, unused orbits at end-of-life.

Active Debris Removal (ADR): Developing technology to remove existing, large, uncontrolled objects before they break into more pieces (Kessler Syndrome).

This video explains the challenges of cleaning up space debris:

There’s also a lot of plastic in space.

Another approach to satellite management could be to upgrade the internals of an older satellite 🛰 if companies could design satellites for easy internal electronic swaps.

Tau.Neutrino said:

There’s also a lot of plastic in space.

Another approach to satellite management could be to upgrade the internals of an older satellite 🛰 if companies could design satellites for easy internal electronic swaps.

If countries agree to space protocols then a whole range of other possibilities can be used.

Modular design.

Satellite sizes micro, cube, small, medium, large, extra large. If these all have similar design in shape, material, solar deployment, then updates can be possible, meaning future upgrade missions can be smaller.

Parts of a satellite

Main case housing structure / bus wiring.
Solar panels.
Batteries.
Voltage regulator
Altitude computer.
Gyroscopes, actuators, reaction wheels.
Thrusters.
Fuel.
Communication antennas.
Communication module.
Electronic boards.
Main computer.
Experiment modules.
Cameras.
Sensors.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Parts of a satellite

Main case housing structure / bus wiring.
Solar panels.
Batteries.
Voltage regulator
Altitude computer.
Gyroscopes, actuators, reaction wheels.
Thrusters.
Fuel.
Communication antennas.
Communication module.
Electronic boards.
Main computer.
Experiment modules.
Cameras.
Sensors.

Heat shielding.
Cooling systems.

Another way to manage satellites would be to deploy them in an orbit then after their use by date they could deorbit themselves by pushing each other into the ocean somewhere.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Parts of a satellite

Main case housing structure / bus wiring.
Solar panels.
Batteries.
Voltage regulator
Altitude computer.
Gyroscopes, actuators, reaction wheels.
Thrusters.
Fuel.
Communication antennas.
Communication module.
Electronic boards.
Main computer.
Experiment modules.
Cameras.
Sensors.

Heat shielding.
Cooling systems.

All that equals weight, by keeping most of that weight up there future missions could be so small as to deliver to the satellite.

Updated boards.
A new battery
Fuel top up.

If all the rubbish on space is mapped, categorised to weight, then various methods of deployment could be used more efficiently.

Tau.Neutrino said:

If all the rubbish on space is mapped, categorised to weight, then various methods of deployment could be used more efficiently.

For example lasers could reach the lower pieces.

Up further could be ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs):
Long conductive tethers generate forces in Earth’s magnetic field to de-orbit satellites.

Up further could be foam sheets or shaped shields attached to satellite by drones to de-orbit.

Drones could map trajectories of satellites to push multiple satellites towards de-orbit.

Space tugs tackle the higher peices.

A satellite train de-orbiting pushing satellites in front of each other downwards would have to be designed to do that.

Space lasers higher up could push space debris downwards towards de-orbit.

From google AI

The longest single road in Australia is the Great Northern Highway (NH95) in Western Australia, stretching over 3,000 km from Perth to Wyndham, but the longest network is Highway 1, a 14,500 km ring road circumnavigating the continent, making it the world’s longest national highway. While Highway 1 is a collection of state roads, the Great Northern Highway is the single longest continuous route.

Imagine all the plastic along both sides of each road around Australia.

Total kilometres of roads around Australia Google AI

Australia’s total road network is vast, estimated at around 877,000 to over 874,000 kilometres, with figures varying slightly by year and source, including a mix of sealed (around 463,000 km in 2023) and unsealed/dirt roads, supporting extensive travel and infrastructure across the continent.

That’s a lot to manage.

Tau.Neutrino said:

From google AI

The longest single road in Australia is the Great Northern Highway (NH95) in Western Australia, stretching over 3,000 km from Perth to Wyndham, but the longest network is Highway 1, a 14,500 km ring road circumnavigating the continent, making it the world’s longest national highway. While Highway 1 is a collection of state roads, the Great Northern Highway is the single longest continuous route.

Imagine all the plastic along both sides of each road around Australia.

Total kilometres of roads around Australia Google AI

Australia’s total road network is vast, estimated at around 877,000 to over 874,000 kilometres, with figures varying slightly by year and source, including a mix of sealed (around 463,000 km in 2023) and unsealed/dirt roads, supporting extensive travel and infrastructure across the continent.

That’s a lot to manage.

So double 874,000 kilometres for both sides of all the roads to get 1,748,000 kilometres which if both sides are done at once half’s the cleanup time.

Satellite service stations operated by robots at different altitudes could be developed which could swap parts and do all sorts of maintenance.

Future satellites after use could be directed to de-orbit towards other decommissioned satellites. Catch and grab etc.

Decommissioned satellites with no fuel could be deorbited by small thrusters sent to them by a ship carrying clusters of thrusters.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

If all the rubbish on space is mapped, categorised to weight, then various methods of deployment could be used more efficiently.

For example lasers could reach the lower pieces.

Up further could be ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs):
Long conductive tethers generate forces in Earth’s magnetic field to de-orbit satellites.

Up further could be foam sheets or shaped shields attached to satellite by drones to de-orbit.

Drones could map trajectories of satellites to push multiple satellites towards de-orbit.

Space tugs tackle the higher peices.

A satellite train de-orbiting pushing satellites in front of each other downwards would have to be designed to do that.

So something like:

Level 1 Ground based lasers.
Level 2 ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs).
Level 3 Foam sheets or shaped shields.
Level 4 Space Tugs, Space ships carrying clusters of thrusters.
Level 5 Space based lasers that move pieces downwards.

Where level 1 is a lower Altitude and level 5 a higher Altitude.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

If all the rubbish on space is mapped, categorised to weight, then various methods of deployment could be used more efficiently.

For example lasers could reach the lower pieces.

Up further could be ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs):
Long conductive tethers generate forces in Earth’s magnetic field to de-orbit satellites.

Up further could be foam sheets or shaped shields attached to satellite by drones to de-orbit.

Drones could map trajectories of satellites to push multiple satellites towards de-orbit.

Space tugs tackle the higher peices.

A satellite train de-orbiting pushing satellites in front of each other downwards would have to be designed to do that.

So something like:

Level 1 Ground based lasers.
Level 2 ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs).
Level 3 Foam sheets or shaped shields.
Level 4 Space Tugs, Space ships carrying clusters of thrusters.
Level 5 Space based lasers that move pieces downwards.

Where level 1 is a lower Altitude and level 5 a higher Altitude.

A network of space lasers at different altitudes could push debris downwards continually.

Artificial intelligence could direct each piece of debris at different altitudes to its designated method of de-orbit.

I did a unit of systems analysis and design during my cert4 in comp, I liked it.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

For example lasers could reach the lower pieces.

Up further could be ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs):
Long conductive tethers generate forces in Earth’s magnetic field to de-orbit satellites.

Up further could be foam sheets or shaped shields attached to satellite by drones to de-orbit.

Drones could map trajectories of satellites to push multiple satellites towards de-orbit.

Space tugs tackle the higher peices.

A satellite train de-orbiting pushing satellites in front of each other downwards would have to be designed to do that.

So something like:

Level 1 Ground based lasers.
Level 2 ElectroDynamic Tethers (EDTs).
Level 3 Foam sheets or shaped shields.
Level 4 Space Tugs, Space ships carrying clusters of thrusters.
Level 5 Space based lasers that move pieces downwards.

Where level 1 is a lower Altitude and level 5 a higher Altitude.

A network of space lasers at different altitudes could push debris downwards continually.

Artificial intelligence could direct each piece of debris at different altitudes to its designated method of de-orbit.

NASA and ESA…keep a database of all space debris, make those databases available to AI, which can than co-ordinate designate each piece of debris towards its method of de-orbit.

Gives some direction and structure.

You see road clean up crews on sides of roads, with say 10 drones per worker clean ups could be achieved much faster, this could be fine tuned before rainfalls to limit spread of plastic pieces.

Tau.Neutrino said:

You see road clean up crews on sides of roads, with say 10 drones per worker clean ups could be achieved much faster, this could be fine tuned before rainfalls to limit spread of plastic pieces.

Note that the Kessler Syndrome applies to debris in space breaking up and debris on the ground breaking up.

Active Debris Removal (ADR): Developing technology to remove existing, large, uncontrolled objects before they break into more pieces (Kessler Syndrome)

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

You see road clean up crews on sides of roads, with say 10 drones per worker clean ups could be achieved much faster, this could be fine tuned before rainfalls to limit spread of plastic pieces.

Note that the Kessler Syndrome applies to debris in space breaking up and debris on the ground breaking up.

Active Debris Removal (ADR): Developing technology to remove existing, large, uncontrolled objects before they break into more pieces (Kessler Syndrome)

And plastic in the oceans breaking up.

Once space debris is politically agreed on the clean-up can be scaled up.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Once space debris is politically agreed on the clean-up can be scaled up.

What about all the nanoplastics in our blood, brains, lungs etc.?

Tau.Neutrino said:

Once space debris is politically agreed on the clean-up can be scaled up.

So it’s a system of integrated parts functioning in software and hardware, in space and on the ground, it’s purpose to de-orbit Space Junk using NASA’S space junk database and AI to co-ordinate each piece to a way towards the ocean somewhere.

Something like that.

roughbarked said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Once space debris is politically agreed on the clean-up can be scaled up.

What about all the nanoplastics in our blood, brains, lungs etc.?

Google AI gives an answer
can microplastics be filtered out of blood

AI Overview

While some clinics offer blood filtration (apheresis) claiming to remove microplastics, there’s no robust scientific proof these expensive treatments work effectively or safely, and the procedure itself might introduce more plastic from its own equipment, highlighting that reducing exposure is key, as current methods lack validation. Researchers are still studying how microplastics behave in the body and what sizes are harmful, making targeted filtration difficult, with most current ‘solutions’ being speculative biohacking rather than proven medicine.
What the Science Says:

No Proven Method: Currently, there’s no widely accepted, scientifically proven method to effectively filter microplastics from human blood.

Apheresis & Dialysis Concerns: Procedures like therapeutic apheresis (used by some wellness clinics) and dialysis draw blood through plastic tubing, posing a risk of shedding more microplastics into the blood.

Particle Size Matters: We don’t fully understand if plastics are free-floating or attached to cells, nor the size range that causes harm, making filtration challenging.

Early Research: Some studies show microplastic-like particles in blood and suggest links to inflammation, but treatments aren’t validated.

Why Claims Are Skeptical:

Commercial Hype: Companies offer expensive treatments, but lack peer-reviewed data to back up their claims, often relying on patient anecdotes.

Contamination Issues: Microplastics are everywhere, making lab contamination during testing common, complicating results.

Better Approaches (Reducing Exposure):

Use Glass/Metal: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers over plastic for food and drinks.
Filter Tap Water: Tap water may have fewer particles than bottled water.
Natural Fibers: Choose natural fabrics to reduce synthetic fiber shedding.
Clean Regularly: Vacuum and dust often to reduce airborne plastics.

In essence, focus on minimizing your exposure to plastics rather than relying on unproven detox treatments, as we’re still learning about their impact on our health.

So it’s a work in progress.

Tau.Neutrino said:

as we’re still learning about their impact on our health.

So it’s a work in progress.

Ah that progress word again.

Progress is what got us to this point.

Tau.Neutrino said:

roughbarked said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Once space debris is politically agreed on the clean-up can be scaled up.

What about all the nanoplastics in our blood, brains, lungs etc.?

Google AI gives an answer
can microplastics be filtered out of blood

AI Overview

While some clinics offer blood filtration (apheresis) claiming to remove microplastics, there’s no robust scientific proof these expensive treatments work effectively or safely, and the procedure itself might introduce more plastic from its own equipment, highlighting that reducing exposure is key, as current methods lack validation. Researchers are still studying how microplastics behave in the body and what sizes are harmful, making targeted filtration difficult, with most current ‘solutions’ being speculative biohacking rather than proven medicine.
What the Science Says:

No Proven Method: Currently, there’s no widely accepted, scientifically proven method to effectively filter microplastics from human blood.

Apheresis & Dialysis Concerns: Procedures like therapeutic apheresis (used by some wellness clinics) and dialysis draw blood through plastic tubing, posing a risk of shedding more microplastics into the blood.

Particle Size Matters: We don’t fully understand if plastics are free-floating or attached to cells, nor the size range that causes harm, making filtration challenging.

Early Research: Some studies show microplastic-like particles in blood and suggest links to inflammation, but treatments aren’t validated.

Why Claims Are Skeptical:

Commercial Hype: Companies offer expensive treatments, but lack peer-reviewed data to back up their claims, often relying on patient anecdotes.

Contamination Issues: Microplastics are everywhere, making lab contamination during testing common, complicating results.

Better Approaches (Reducing Exposure):

Use Glass/Metal: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers over plastic for food and drinks.
Filter Tap Water: Tap water may have fewer particles than bottled water.
Natural Fibers: Choose natural fabrics to reduce synthetic fiber shedding.
Clean Regularly: Vacuum and dust often to reduce airborne plastics.

In essence, focus on minimizing your exposure to plastics rather than relying on unproven detox treatments, as we’re still learning about their impact on our health.

So it’s a work in progress.

Filtering both tap water and plastic bottled water would be a way to reduce plastics in the body.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

roughbarked said:

What about all the nanoplastics in our blood, brains, lungs etc.?

Google AI gives an answer
can microplastics be filtered out of blood

AI Overview

While some clinics offer blood filtration (apheresis) claiming to remove microplastics, there’s no robust scientific proof these expensive treatments work effectively or safely, and the procedure itself might introduce more plastic from its own equipment, highlighting that reducing exposure is key, as current methods lack validation. Researchers are still studying how microplastics behave in the body and what sizes are harmful, making targeted filtration difficult, with most current ‘solutions’ being speculative biohacking rather than proven medicine.
What the Science Says:

No Proven Method: Currently, there’s no widely accepted, scientifically proven method to effectively filter microplastics from human blood.

Apheresis & Dialysis Concerns: Procedures like therapeutic apheresis (used by some wellness clinics) and dialysis draw blood through plastic tubing, posing a risk of shedding more microplastics into the blood.

Particle Size Matters: We don’t fully understand if plastics are free-floating or attached to cells, nor the size range that causes harm, making filtration challenging.

Early Research: Some studies show microplastic-like particles in blood and suggest links to inflammation, but treatments aren’t validated.

Why Claims Are Skeptical:

Commercial Hype: Companies offer expensive treatments, but lack peer-reviewed data to back up their claims, often relying on patient anecdotes.

Contamination Issues: Microplastics are everywhere, making lab contamination during testing common, complicating results.

Better Approaches (Reducing Exposure):

Use Glass/Metal: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers over plastic for food and drinks.
Filter Tap Water: Tap water may have fewer particles than bottled water.
Natural Fibers: Choose natural fabrics to reduce synthetic fiber shedding.
Clean Regularly: Vacuum and dust often to reduce airborne plastics.

In essence, focus on minimizing your exposure to plastics rather than relying on unproven detox treatments, as we’re still learning about their impact on our health.

So it’s a work in progress.

Filtering both tap water and plastic bottled water would be a way to reduce plastics in the body.

Another way you reduce plastics in the body would be to use an air filter in each room.

And an air filter in the car.

We should not get to worked up over it.

Prevention is better than removal.

It’s for the experts in thier fields to sort out.

It covers multiple fields in science.