kosmosejäätmete

Kosmosejäätmed, also known as space debris or orbital debris, refers to man-made objects that are no longer functional and are orbiting the Earth. These include spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, fragments from explosions or collisions, and even small particles like paint flecks. The vast majority of these objects are located in low Earth orbit, though some reside in higher orbits.

The problem of space debris has grown significantly since the dawn of the space age. As more satellites are launched, the potential for collisions increases. Even small debris can cause catastrophic damage to operational spacecraft due to the high velocities involved. A collision can create thousands of new, smaller pieces of debris, exacerbating the problem in a phenomenon known as the Kessler Syndrome.

Several countries and international organizations are actively involved in tracking space debris and developing strategies to mitigate its growth. These strategies include designing satellites to de-orbit safely at the end of their operational life, avoiding deliberate creation of debris, and developing technologies for active debris removal. International guidelines and best practices are being developed and encouraged to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities. The ongoing challenge lies in international cooperation and the development of effective and affordable solutions for managing this growing orbital population.