space junkOuter space is littered with debris, from dust-sized particles to satellite remnants the size of cars. All of it orbiting the Earth at speeds in excess of 17,500 mph. And should any pieces larger than a softball hit a working satellite… well let’s just say it won’t be working anymore. Some scientists have suggested adding tethers or guidance systems to satellites in order guide them into the atmosphere, where they would harmlessly burn up. Unfortunately, much like here on Earth the environmentally-friendly option is not necessarily the cheapest option and for now its status quo.

Somewhere out there a teardrop is running down the face of a Martian.