The issue of space debris is becoming increasingly serious. The European Space Agency (ESA) reports that the amount of debris orbiting Earth is growing rapidly. Each year, we launch more satellites, but many are left in space once they stop working.
Right now, there are around 40,000 tracked objects in orbit, but only about 11,000 of those are operational satellites. An alarming fact is that the inactive satellites and debris far outnumber the active ones. This situation poses a risk of what scientists call a "Kessler cascade." This means that collisions between debris could create even more pieces of junk, making the problem worse over time.
Experts warn that even if we stopped launching satellites today, the amount of debris would still grow. Fragmentation events—when debris collides or breaks apart—generate new junk faster than what naturally burns up as it re-enters the atmosphere. This is known as Kessler syndrome. The ESA highlights that we can no longer rely on just avoiding new launches; we need active efforts to clean up space.
In 2024, there were 11 significant non-collisional fragmentation events, producing over 2,600 new pieces of debris. These unplanned incidents can happen at any time and are hard to control, making space a dangerous place for satellites and the International Space Station. Even tiny fragments, as small as a millimeter, can damage important equipment like the Hubble Space Telescope.
On a positive note, there are signs of improvement in managing old satellites and rocket stages. In 2024, more intact rocket parts were brought down safely than in previous years. ESA reported that about 90% of rocket bodies are now following guidelines to leave their orbits within 25 years, with over half re-entering the atmosphere in a controlled way.
NASA’s recent initiatives for space debris cleanup contribute to these efforts. New technologies are being developed to remove junk from orbit, but this will require global collaboration. Experts emphasize that everyone needs to work together to keep space safe for future missions.
In conclusion, the space debris problem is complex and needs immediate attention. Without a unified approach to reduce and manage debris, we risk making Earth’s orbit unsafe for all.
For more in-depth information, you can read the full ESA Space Environment Report here.
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