Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is becoming alarmingly congested, with over 14,000 satellites currently in orbit, nearly 3,500 of which are inactive and contributing to the growing crisis of space debris.
Adding to the challenge are 120 million fragments of debris, ranging from defunct satellites and rocket remnants to tiny particles like paint flecks. These pose a grave risk to operational spacecraft and could trigger the catastrophic “Kessler Syndrome,“ where collisions create an uncontrollable chain reaction of debris, rendering parts of Earth’s orbit unusable.
Global space agencies, including NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are racing to mitigate the threat. Innovations like debris removal missions, satellite de-orbiting systems, and stricter operator regulations are key solutions under development.
The rise of mega-constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, has further heightened the urgency for international collaboration to preserve the sustainability of space. Experts stress that without decisive action, Earth’s orbital environment could face irreversible damage, jeopardizing future space operations and satellite services.
