Scientists are working on solutions to deal with the problem. For example, Japan has designed a device that looks like a giant r
ope with a 444-pound weight attached to one end. The weight could swing around and basically knock debris out of orbit. Then it would burn up in earth's atmosphere. Other ideas for debris removal have included harpoons, giant magnets, and nets that would capture the debris. Some solutions propose an end-of-life plan for future launches, in which the debris would be sent farther into space or destroyed. Because humans' interest in exploring space continues to grow, there is little chance that the number of objects in space will decrease. However, as people become more aware of the problem of space junk, the same energy dedicated to exploring space must be directed toward creative ways of cleaning it up.
According to "Space Junk!," what will most likely happen to the amount of junk in space?