Space debris

Pollution of orbital space (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Pollution of orbital space
Space pollution
Space junk
Orbit junk
Accumulation of aerospace hardware in earth orbits

Nature

Since the commencement of space operations and the use of satellites for different purposes, a considerable number of items of space hardware have accumulated in earth orbit. Many of these have ceased to perform any useful function and can no longer be controlled in any way from the ground. The continuing accumulation of such objects is a risk to future satellite and space operations (ranging from actual collision to interference between transmissions or obstruction of data transmission).

In 1996 there were approximately 20,000 known items of space junk derived from exploded satellites and discarded rockets. Most pieces are about the size of a medicinal tablet, but at they speed they travel could have the effect of a small bomb if they struck a new satellite. Because elliptical orbits are the norm, the probability of junk hitting from any direction becomes significant (despite the vastness of space); junk in the lower part of its orbit is the most dangerous.

Background

The significance of space debris emerged in the late 1970s, as satellite collisions and spent rocket stages began to threaten operational spacecraft. The 2009 Iridium-Cosmos collision and China’s 2007 anti-satellite test dramatically heightened global awareness, prompting international monitoring and policy discussions. Increasing satellite launches and mega-constellations have since intensified concerns, with organizations like the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and the United Nations addressing the escalating risks to space activities and infrastructure.

Incidence

The proliferation of space debris has reached critical levels, with over 36,000 tracked objects larger than 10 cm and millions of smaller fragments orbiting Earth as of 2023. This accumulation poses significant risks to operational satellites, space stations, and future space missions, affecting all nations reliant on space-based infrastructure for communication, navigation, and observation. The density of debris is especially acute in low Earth orbit, where collisions can generate further fragments, compounding the hazard.
In March 2023, a piece of space debris struck a Russian Progress MS-21 cargo spacecraft docked at the International Space Station, causing a depressurization event. This incident highlighted the persistent threat that orbital debris poses to both crewed and uncrewed missions in low Earth orbit.

Claim

Space debris is an urgent and escalating crisis that threatens the future of space exploration and the safety of our planet. Ignoring this problem is reckless—every piece of debris increases the risk of catastrophic collisions, endangering satellites, astronauts, and essential global communications. Immediate, coordinated international action is not just necessary; it is our responsibility to prevent space from becoming a hazardous junkyard that jeopardizes technological progress and human lives.

Counter-claim

Space debris is vastly overhyped as a problem. The vastness of space means that the odds of debris causing significant harm are minuscule. Technological advancements allow us to track and avoid most objects easily. Instead of panicking about a few pieces of junk in orbit, we should focus our resources on real, pressing issues here on Earth. The so-called “space debris crisis” is nothing more than a distraction from genuine global challenges.