Kosmoseprügi

Kosmoseprügi, also known as space debris or orbital debris, refers to discarded human-made objects in Earth's orbit. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from explosions or collisions, and even tiny flecks of paint or metal. The majority of this debris orbits at altitudes between 200 and 2,000 kilometers, though it can be found at virtually any orbital height.

The accumulation of kosmoseprügi poses a significant threat to operational satellites and future space missions. Even small pieces traveling at orbital velocities can cause catastrophic damage due to their immense kinetic energy. This risk is exacerbated by the Kessler Syndrome, a theoretical scenario where the density of debris in low Earth orbit becomes so high that collisions generate more debris, leading to a cascade effect that renders space unusable.

Tracking and monitoring of space debris are crucial. Various ground-based radar and optical systems are employed to catalogue larger objects and estimate their trajectories. Efforts are underway to mitigate the problem, including designing satellites with end-of-life deorbiting capabilities, developing technologies for debris removal, and establishing international guidelines for responsible space activities. The long-term sustainability of space exploration and utilization depends heavily on effectively managing this growing orbital hazard.