Yahoo Cosmic Cleanup article - Ideas for removing space trash

[GCoppedge]

<p>http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20080319/sc_space/cosmiccleanupwildideastosweepspace&nbsp;</p><p>In the article above, Nicholas Johnson discusses ideas for&nbsp;cleaning up orbital trash.&nbsp; Here are some of my suggestions:</p><p>1)&nbsp; Post an RFP to the private sector, see if there is any interest</p><p>2)&nbsp; Since it's a problem for all nations with satellites, then all nations should pay a proportional share of the cleanup costs.&nbsp; Try to get UN funding to cover project costs.</p><p>3)&nbsp; If feasible, consider using directed & powered magnetic energy to attract metallic trash objects in nearby flight path to the 'trash collector'.&nbsp; When it drops out of orbit, program its landing into the ocean or desert.&nbsp; (Collection and ID of trash might also provide info on other nations' space programs.)</p>