Planets, Debris, and Us: Planet formation, its aftermath, and human activities in space

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The program Planets, Debris, and Us: Planet formation, its aftermath, and human activities in space addresses multiple problems in planetary and exoplanetary science by studying planetary dynamics, dust around other stars, asteroids, and components of meteorites. It also addresses a major international challenge to the sustainable development of space: orbital debris (space junk). Long-term objectives are to determine processes that give rise to different types of planetary systems; determine connections between dust/debris morphologies in planet-forming discs and embedded planetary systems; study Solar System debris; advance a space mission concept that would study near-Earth asteroids, with implications for planetary defence; and establish a space situational awareness program to characterize orbital debris in support of building sustainable practices of space use. Specific questions this work aims to address include: (planets) How do planetary systems form? Why is the Solar System seemingly different from compact exoplanetary systems? (planetary debris) What processes give rise to the formation of ring-like structures in planet-forming discs? Do components of meteorites reflect fundamental steps toward planet formation or are they byproducts of that process? Can we develop asteroid rendezvous spacecraft for placing beacons on asteroids for long-term dynamics monitoring and planetary defence demonstrations? (orbital debris) What is the debris field in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit for sizes comparable to and less than 10 cm? This research investigates the birth of planets, and seeks to put the Solar System in context with the many worlds now known to exist. The work is a step toward addressing whether there is life elsewhere in the Galaxy and has broad implications in the classroom and in the community. It also seeks to explore our evolving space environment and better understand the risks to Earth from near-Earth objects, which are remnants of the Solar System's formation. Closer to home, orbital debris research puts into focus the threat that our own actions have on the continued development of space. Considering our growing dependence on space assets (e.g., weather forecasting, global navigational satellite systems, communications, agriculture, financial transactions, forestry, fisheries, climate science, search and rescue, and disaster relief), the dangers of orbital debris and unsustainable development of Earth orbital slots are numerous. Space studies, whether the origins of planets or the monitoring of orbital debris, have the power to pique the imaginations of everyone, from professional astronomers to elementary school students. Science fiction has come to life, and gives a way for people, albeit abstractly, to relate to the vastness of the universe. This connection can help to steer people toward STEM fields, creating the next generation of critical thinkers.