Bid to harpoon space debris

Scientists have taken inspiration from Moby Dick to find a solution to hazardous space debris.

Like Herman Melville’s fictitious whale hunter, Captain Ahab, they plan to harpoon orbiting junk that threatens satellites and astronauts.

The European Space Agency (ESA’s) Clean Space project turned to the ancient technology after studying numerous options, including nets, clamping systems and robotic arms.