Australia to zap space junk with lasers from earth

There are millions of space junks orbiting the earth at high speeds. From the time humans put up the first satellite in space to the space shuttles and rockets till this day, all have left some form of debris, which tends to circle (orbit) around the earth in space. From lost screws to old rocket parts, there are millions of them waiting to damage the orbiting satellites and astronauts working on the International Space Station, posing a risk to life and property worth billions.

Australia has a large geographic area, and their satellites in space are highly dependant for services to its population. In order to safeguard the satellites in space, the Australian government has funded around 20 million Australian dollars to a new center, which will begin tracking tiny pieces of debris and try to deflect them off course. The article featured in the NewScientist Magazine, also informed that the project involves zapping the debris with powerful lasers located on earth and the center controlling it will be operating from Mount Stromolo Observatory in Canberra.