Thousands of defunct satellites and fragments circling Earth at dangerous speeds pose a serious threat to future space exploration. Experts warn that the growing amount of space debris could make parts of Earth's orbit unusable.
Space debris threatens the future of space travel as thousands of defunct satellites and fragments circle Earth at dangerous speeds, experts warn.Of 19,590 satellites launched since 1957, about 13,230 remain in orbit - but only 10,200 still function, the European Space Agency reported in September 2024.The International Space Station dodged space debris 39 times since 1999, including multiple maneuvers in 2024, NASA reports.
Some debris even reaches Earth - a Florida family recently filed an $80,000 claim after space station debris damaged their home.Named after former NASA scientist Donald Kessler, who identified the threat in 1978, Kessler Syndrome describes a chain reaction where orbiting debris creates more debris through collisions.The phenomenon could make parts of Earth's orbit unusable for space travel. A 2009 incident demonstrated this risk when two satellites collided over Siberia, creating a new field of debris, the American Scientist reported.Spacefaring nations launched about 50,000 tons of material into orbit since the 1950s. Defunct satellites, spent rocket boosters and even lost astronaut tools create a growing hazard above Earth.'We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space, but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow,' Holger Krag, ESA's head of Space Safety, said in a recent statement.The European Space Agency adopted the Zero Debris Charter, aiming to nearly eliminate space junk by 2030. NASA and other space organizations worldwide now take more concrete actions to address the hazard
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Space Debris Threatens Future of Space TravelThousands of defunct satellites and fragments orbit Earth at dangerous speeds, posing a significant risk to space travel. Experts warn that this space debris could lead to Kessler Syndrome, a chain reaction of collisions that makes parts of Earth's orbit unusable. The European Space Agency reports that only 10,200 out of 13,230 satellites launched remain in orbit, and defunct satellites, rocket boosters, and even lost tools contribute to the growing hazard. Spacefaring nations are taking action to address this threat, with the ESA's Zero Debris Charter aiming to nearly eliminate space junk by 2030.
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