How does space junk keep people from leaving and why is that desirable?
Discussion
It doesn't actually prevent anyone from going anywhere. It is a consideration but hardly a big one. If you launch on a hyperbolic trajectory your chances of hitting anything are miniscule. This isn't wall-E.
You are taking my comment too seriously
Only because this is the thing I think is important. I want whole planets dedicated to pandas just because we can. I've already encountered authoritarians that think no one should be allowed to leave. Sounds like a thing the E.U. might attempt.
Ok well if I'm going to be serious, then yes the amount of space junk currently isn't too much yet. ABM systems that shoot down satellites might change that picture though if WW3 eventuates. And of course I'm not going to tell Elon Musk what to do, and AFAIK he wants humanity to become a multi-planet species. It would be awesome if it actually happens.
I'm a bit skeptical that we can do it. Just the dust problem alone is pretty tricky, getting into the door seals and stuff. Maybe in lava tubes there is a chance.