SPACE JUNKIES

A Tokyo IT professional had a midlife crisis and did what anyone would do in that situation.

He started a business to clean up space junk.

ABOUT

Following companies in their urgent battle against space debris through the eyes of visionary entrepreneurs and cutting-edge technology, revealing the innovative efforts to protect our future in space and ensure sustainable operations beyond Earth.

Space Junkies chronicles the transformative shift from state-sponsored space exploration to private enterprise, focusing on the innovative entrepreneurs tackling the growing crisis of space debris. The documentary features visionary founders from companies like ClearSpace, Astroscale, Surrey Satellite Technology, Northrop Grumman, and Kall Morris, who are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions to clear our orbit of hazardous space junk. Through their personal stories, we explore the technological, economic, and geopolitical challenges of space debris while highlighting the remarkable innovations aimed at ensuring sustainable space operations.

As the documentary delves into the entrepreneurial spirit driving these groundbreaking efforts, it reveals a larger narrative about the evolution of the space industry. The transition from government-led missions to private sector initiatives marks a significant shift in how we approach space exploration and its associated challenges. By showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of these entrepreneurs, including closely following Mitsunobu "Nobu" Okada of Astroscale—who left his IT job to start the company driven by his rekindled childhood passion for space—"Space Junkies" underscores the potential for private enterprise to drive meaningful change in the space sector. Through stunning visuals, expert interviews, and captivating personal stories, "Space Junkies" paints a hopeful yet urgent picture of the future of space exploration.

INTERVIEWEES

Entrepreneurs and Founders

  • Luc Piguet - Co-founder and CEO of ClearSpace

  • Muriel Richard - Co-founder and Head Engineer at ClearSpace

  • Nobu Okada - Founder and CEO of Astroscale

  • Sir Martin Sweeting - Founder of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)

  • Adam Kall - Co-founder and Director of Technology at Kall Morris Inc

  • Austin Morris - Co-founder and Director of Engineering at Kall Morris Inc

  • Troy Morris - Co-founder and Director of Operations at Kall Morris Inc

  • Key Executives - Northrop Grumman involved in space debris projects

Government and Regulatory Officials

  • NASA Officials - Experts on space debris and space policy

  • ESA Representatives - Officials involved in space debris mitigation strategies

  • FCC Representatives - Officials from the Federal Communications Commission on space regulations

  • UN COPUOS Representatives - Officials from the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space

Policy and Legal Experts

  • Space Law Attorneys - Experts in international space law and regulations

  • Policy Makers - Individuals involved in creating and implementing policies for space sustainability

Engineers and Technologists

  • Lead Engineers - From ClearSpace, Astroscale, SSTL, Northrop Grumman, and Kall Morris Inc. involved in debris removal technologies

  • Space Mission Designers - Experts in designing and executing space debris removal missions

Environmental and Economic Analysts

  • Space Industry Analysts - Experts analyzing the economic impact of space debris and the commercial space industry

  • Environmental Scientists - Experts comparing the environmental impact of space debris with terrestrial environmental issues

COMPANIES

KALL MORRIS INCORPORATED

SURREY SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY LTD

ASTROSCALE

CLEARSPACE

Entrepreneurs and Founders

  • Donald Kessler - Former NASA scientist and creator of the Kessler Syndrome theory

  • Neil deGrasse Tyson - Astrophysicist and space commentator

  • Brian Weeden - Director of Program Planning for Secure World Foundation

  • Holger Krag - Head of the Space Debris Office at the European Space Agency (ESA)