Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to non-functional spacecraft, abandoned satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or disintegration events in Earth’s orbit. This material poses a significant hazard to operational satellites and crewed space missions due to the high velocities at which objects travel in space. Even small pieces of debris can cause severe damage upon impact, making the management and tracking of space debris critical for space exploration and the sustainability of satellite services. The accumulation of space debris raises concerns about the potential for collisions, which can create more debris and exacerbate the problem, leading to a phenomenon known as the Kessler Syndrome. Addressing space debris involves tracking existing debris, developing debris mitigation measures, and exploring active removal technologies.
The Risks of Kessler Syndrome The United States is grappling with a dangerous phenomenon that could jeopardize future space exploration: Kessler Syndrome. This syndrome refers to a scenario where the…