Humanity trashed Earth orbit – next stop the Moon
A spent Falcon 9 upper stage is expected to crash into the Moon, prompting questions about how we manage space around Earth and what we should do differently around the Moon. Neuraspace CEO Chiara Manfletti imagines lunar scrapyards—designated dumping grounds on the Moon for recycled materials—as a more sustainable option than burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. She argues all orbits should be treated as protected, and that a collaborative, softly regulated approach—driven by major players like the US, Europe, and India—could raise the bar for sustainable activity in lunar space. The interview also notes how the public’s heightened awareness of space infrastructure—exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict and related tech incidents—could accelerate practical, non-binding leadership to steer space traffic management around the Moon. As lunar traffic grows, examining Earth’s lessons could guide safer, more responsible exploration and utilization