Space junk refers to the remnants of non-functional satellites, spent rocket boosters, and other man-made objects orbiting Earth. These fragments float in low-Earth orbit and pose significant threats to active satellites and crewed missions.
Since the 1950s, over 50,000 tons of materials have been launched into space. As of September 2024, approximately 13,230 satellites remain in orbit, but only 10,200 are operational. The rest contribute to the growing space debris, creating a hazardous environment for space exploration.
The Growing Risk of Space Debris
The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA have reported numerous incidents where the International Space Station (ISS) had to perform manoeuvres to avoid potential collisions with space debris.
- As of December 2022, the ISS had conducted 32 collision avoidance manoeuvres since 1999.
- By October 2023, this number rose to 37, including two incidents in August.
- In November 2023, the ISS performed its 39th Pre-Determined Avoidance Manoeuvre.
Recently, a Russian cargo ship docked at the ISS fired its thrusters for over five minutes to dodge debris from a defunct meteorological satellite. While the object wasn’t on a direct collision course, NASA deemed the action necessary to ensure safety.
The Kessler Syndrome Explained
The Kessler Syndrome is a theoretical scenario where the accumulation of space debris leads to a cascade of collisions. These collisions generate more debris, further increasing the likelihood of additional collisions. If left unchecked, this chain reaction could render Earth’s orbit unusable for space exploration and communication satellites.
Holger Krag, ESA’s Head of Space Safety, stated, “We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow.”
Consequences on Earth
While most space debris burns up upon re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, some fragments do reach the surface. For example:
- In 2024, a family in Naples, Florida, reported damages worth $80,000 when debris from the ISS crashed through their roof.
Urgent Need for Solutions
Space agencies worldwide are exploring measures to address this issue, including active debris removal and stricter regulations for satellite launches. However, significant technological advancements and international cooperation are needed to mitigate the growing risks posed by space debris.
