The University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus is abuzz with exhilaration as Prof Richard O. Ocaya's groundbreaking research on the escalating dangers of space debris has been published in the prestigious journal Nature, boasting an impact factor exceeding 50. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone, placing Prof Ocaya among the select few UFS researchers to have graced the pages of Nature since the university's inception in 1904.

Prof Ocaya, along with co-author Prof Thembinkosi D. Malevu from the North-West University, penned a compelling article titled Space debris is falling from the skies. We need to tackle this growing danger, serving as a stark warning about the uncontrolled re-entry of defunct satellites, rocket stages, and other human-made objects. Their work, featured in Nature, stresses the increasing risk posed by space junk falling to Earth, a problem highlighted by recent incidents such as the metal ring that crashed in Kenya, with debris scattering across Uganda and near Cape Town in 2004. Prof Malevu is also a proud UFS alumnus.

Beyond space debris

Qwaqwa Campus Principal, Prof Prince Ngobeni, stated that "This publication in Nature is a testament to Prof Ocaya’s dedication and the high-calibre research being conducted on the campus. His work brings critical attention to a global issue that requires immediate and collaborative action."

The article details how the rapid proliferation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) is creating a hazardous environment, with millions of tonnes of human-made objects posing a threat to both Earth and space operations. Profs Ocaya and Malevu emphasise that the uncontrolled re-entry of these objects can lead to unpredictable and potentially catastrophic impacts, as seen in the Kenyan and Ugandan incidents.

"The uncontrolled descent of a dense, high-velocity object through busy air corridors could lead to a mid-air disaster," Prof Ocaya warns. "Currently, there are no global protocols to warn pilots or airlines about incoming space debris."

Prof Ocaya’s publication also brought to the fore the broader issue of space sustainability and human rights, particularly the rights of indigenous peoples who have deep cultural connections to the night sky. As argued by Hilding Neilson, a Mi’kmaq astronomer, the destruction of the night sky through light and satellite pollution is a form of colonisation.

"The skies are a global resource, shared by all of humanity, and it is crucial that decisions about its use account for the needs of all stakeholders," Profs Ocaya and Malevu assert. They advocate for a balanced approach that recognises the benefits of satellite connectivity while addressing the environmental and cultural impacts.

Kessler syndrome: urgent space action

Furthermore, the article addresses the looming threat of Kessler syndrome, a scenario where the density of space debris leads to a cascade of collisions, rendering parts of LEO unusable. This escalating situation demands immediate action from spacefaring nations and companies to implement robust tracking, accountability, and mitigation strategies.

Prof Ocaya’s publication is not just a personal triumph, but a significant contribution to the global scientific community. His research calls for urgent policy changes and mitigation strategies to prevent future disasters and ensure the long-term viability of space exploration.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation, Prof Vasu Reddy, congratulated Prof Ocaya on this extraordinary accomplishment, acknowledging his pivotal role in raising awareness about the critical issue of space debris and its potential consequences. “The University of the Free State is exceptionally proud and celebrates this milestone in one of the world’s most prestigious journals with Prof Ocaya. The ideas generated here impact science, the planet, and its ecosystems in diverse ways. We congratulate him on this outstanding achievement. This publication now enters the domain of global citation uptake, which will enable greater impact of UFS scholars and their pioneering work.”