spacedebris

Space debris, or orbital debris, refers to discarded or nonfunctional objects that orbit Earth. Most debris is human-made and originates from spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, fragmentation events, and mission-related debris such as bolts, paint flecks, and other debris resulting from normal operations. Space debris is distinct from natural micrometeoroids, which are not produced by human activity.

In low Earth orbit and other crowded regions, debris ranges from large spent stages and satellites to tiny fragments. Larger pieces are tracked by space surveillance networks, while smaller particles, often less than a few centimeters, are far more numerous and may go untracked. Even very small particles can cause damage because of high orbital velocities.

Sources of debris include explosions and collisions, such as the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test and the 2009 Iridium-Cosmos collision, which created thousands of fragments. Debris poses collision risks to operational satellites, crewed spacecraft, and space stations; routines include conjunction analyses and collision avoidance maneuvers to reduce risk, especially in densely populated orbits.

Mitigation efforts focus on reducing new debris and managing existing debris. International guidelines encourage end-of-life disposal, passivation of spent hardware, and limiting on-orbit lifetime. Tracking networks and standardized debris mitigation practices support safer satellite operations. Research in active debris removal explores methods to remove or stabilize high-risk debris.

Overall, space debris represents a persistent challenge for sustainable access to space, requiring ongoing international cooperation, monitoring, and technological innovation to prevent a self-perpetuating increase in orbital hazards.