ESA’s Space Environment report 2023, released in August, emphasized a critical issue that our planet is facing – space debris. With an increasing number of spacecraft orbiting Earth for various purposes such as climate study, communication services, navigations systems, and scientific research, the report highlights the growing concern of crowded orbits and the presence of dangerous remnants of defunct satellites and rockets.

Space debris, also known as human-made items abandoned in space, can vary in size, from minuscule paint flakes to entire rocket stages and non-functional satellites. The presence of such debris poses a significant risk to space missions and satellite operations due to the possibility of collisions with active spacecraft.

These collisions can lead to catastrophic consequences, resulting in damage to operational satellites, disruption of essential communication services, and even the generation of more debris in the process. As the number of satellites and spacecraft in low Earth orbit continues to increase, the risk of collisions also intensifies.

Efforts are being made to address this issue. Organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA) are actively working on solutions to mitigate space debris. Methods such as tracking and predicting the trajectory of debris, developing technologies to remove debris from orbit, and considering design modifications for future satellites to reduce the creation of space debris are being explored.

However, the complexity of the problem requires international collaboration and coordination to effectively tackle the space debris issue. Discussions and agreements among space-faring nations are crucial to develop common guidelines and regulations to ensure the sustainable use of space and minimize space debris.

As we strive to explore and utilize space for the benefit of humankind, it is imperative that we address the growing threat of space debris. By taking proactive measures, we can safeguard our future in space and ensure the longevity of space missions and satellite operations.