Winchester Skeptics: Orbital Debris to Pollution: Hidden Cost of Spaceflight

This is an in-person talk hosted by the Winchester Skeptics in the Pub (SitP). Basingstoke Science Cafe members are invited to attend these regular monthly talks at the Winchester Club in Winchester. The Hampshire Skeptics Society is a non-profit organisation for the promotion of science, reason and critical thinking.

Winchester SitP meetings are open to all regardless of beliefs and each month’s talk will be followed up with a challenging Q&A session.

MORE DETAILS ABOUT WINCHESTER SKEPTICS CAN BE FOUND ON THEIR WEB SITE.

https://www.hampshireskeptics.org/

The doors open at 7.00pm, and the talk will begin at 7.30pm.

Talks are usually (December is always an exception) on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 for 7:30, at The Winchester Club in Winchester. Please take a look at the FAQs for more info.

Admission is £5 which also gives you an entry in the book raffle. We take cash and major cards (cards preferred).

SUMMARY
Satellite launches and re-entries are changing the chemistry and physics of the middle and upper atmosphere.

Scientists are now detecting the chemical footprints of launches in the atmosphere. And, dealing with end-of-life space vehicles via “just burn it up” may clear orbits, but it risks trading orbital debris for atmospheric pollution.

A solution would be to use circular economy principles like we aim to do for waste on Earth.

Ian’s talk will discuss how this can be done.

STANDARD STUFF
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the venue by indulging in the available drinks before and during the event.

You are also welcome to join us for a drink in the bar after the event.

SPEAKER
Ian Williams is a Professor of Applied Environmental Science in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK. He has an established track record in the field of environmental pollution and waste management. His work at Southampton has focused on pollution, waste- and carbon-related issues.

Ian has published extensively in books and peer-reviewed journals as well as producing over 100 commercial project reports. He has a long track record of holding positions as an External Examiner for taught and research degrees, service on external bodies, sitting on the scientific and organizing committees of several international conferences, working on national and international task groups, and as a trustee and director of charities and companies.

Ian has received a number of awards for his activities, including: the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Campus Sustainability Research Award 2018, the International Solid Waste Association Publication Award in 2016 and 2017, the Institution of Civil Engineers Baker Medal in 2010 and awards from the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (Waste Regulation Award 2010, 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15; James Jackson Award 2006, 2015/16, 2016/17; J.C. Dawes Award 2016) and the Primary Engineer Macrobert Gold and Silver medals. He is a fanatical fan of “the Scarlets” rugby team.

SKEPTICS IN THE PUB ONLINE
SitP Online: Every 4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm UK time on Twitch.