Orbital Debris

Orbital debris, also known as space junk, refers to non-functional spacecraft, spent rocket stages, and other fragments resulting from collisions, disintegration, or the deliberate destruction of satellites. This debris exists in low Earth orbit and poses a significant risk to operational satellites and spacecraft due to the high velocities at which these objects travel. Orbital debris can range in size from tiny paint flecks to defunct satellites or large rocket parts. As the number of objects in space increases, the risk of collisions also rises, leading to a growing concern about the sustainability of space activities. Managing and mitigating orbital debris is essential to ensuring the safety of current and future space missions.