A ground-based laser system is currently under development to help eliminate space junk — otherwise known as disused human-made objects in Earth's orbit, including old satellites and spent rocket stages, which pose collision risks to spacecraft and the International Space Station.

Japanese startup EX-Fusion is developing a ground-based approach using laser technology the company initially created in pursuit of fusion power. EX-Fusion — which is working alongside the EOS Space Systems, an Australian contractor that has created technology to detect space debris — plans to install a laser system at the EOS Space Observatory near Canberra, Australia.

Source: EOS

Initially, the project will use the laser technology to track space debris measuring under 4 inches. EX-Fusion and EOS Space will eventually use the laser beams fired from the surface to eliminate the space debris by intermittently firing the laser in the opposite direction of the debris travel in an effort to slow it down. Theoretically, this should decrease the orbiting speed of the debris, thereby forcing it into the Earth's atmosphere where it will burn up, the company explained.

EOS Space explained that they will use diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers, which are pulsed, to apply force to the debris and subsequently halt it.

"The power of a laser for destroying space junk is an order of magnitude lower than for nuclear fusion, but they share technical challenges such as controlling them via special mirrors," the company added.