Nasa solves sticky issue of orbiting junk: ‘space Velcro’

 Sticky “space Velcro” modelled on how geckos’ feet stick to walls has been developed by Nasa and Stanford University to help clear dangerous space junk from the Earth’s orbit.

There are currently about 500,000 pieces of human-made debris hurtling around the planet, at speeds of up to 17,500mph, and experts predict that if the problem is not addressed soon it could prevent future launches.

The refuse – made up of defunct satellites and bits of spacecraft – poses a threat to communications systems, space vehicles and astronauts.

Suction cups and ordinary glues do not work in space. The new idea, tested at the International Space Station, is based on the feet of geckos, which have microscopic flaps creating an electrostatic charge when in contact with a wall.