Space debris (also known as space junk, space pollution, [1] space waste, space trash, space garbage, or cosmic debris[2]) are defunct human-made objects in space – principally in Earth orbit – which no longer serve a useful function.

Space junk, or space debris, is any piece of machinery or debris left by humans in space. It can refer to big objects such as dead satellites that have failed or been left in orbit at the end of their mission.

1 day ago · Space junk is a major threat with millions of debris pieces now in orbit. Risks range from minor collisions reducing the working life of satellites to the complete loss of life in a crewed spacecraft. Kessler Syndrome poses a catastrophic scenario where debris could trap humanity on Earth forever. NASA is seeking innovative solutions to detect, track, and remediate space junk—including using ...

Nov 3, 2023 · Most “space junk” is moving very fast and can reach speeds of 18,000 miles per hour, almost seven times faster than a bullet. Due to the rate of speed and volume of debris in LEO, current and future space-based services, explorations, and operations pose a safety risk to people and property in space and on Earth.

On June 27, 2024, nine astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were forced to take shelter in a docked crew capsule after a nearby Russian satellite shattered into more than...

Apr 25, 2019 · Hundreds of thousands of man-made objects are zipping around our planet—from dead satellites to errant nuts and bolts, putting our working satellites at risk. In 2009, nearly 500 miles above...

Jan 21, 2025 · This rapid expansion of human activity in outer space has filled Earth orbit with space trash, from dead satellites to used-up rocket parts.

Oct 12, 2020 · Swirling fragments of past space endeavours are trapped in orbit around Earth, threatening our future in space. Over time, the number, mass and area of these debris objects grow steadily, boosting the risk to functioning satellites.

Apr 16, 2024 · In January 2021, astronauts at the International Space Station pitched a pallet of used lithium-ion batteries over the side to free up some room after NASA determined it would …

Aug 12, 2024 · Space junk is becoming a bigger problem as we send more satellites into orbit, but there are efforts to try and address it. This mission is part of the ESA’s Zero Debris Charter...