Keeping the Cosmos Clean

Upcoming space missions target space debris

As the number of satellites and other objects in orbit around Earth continues to grow, so does the risk of collisions. Space debris – anything from tiny paint chips to defunct satellites – poses a significant threat to operational spacecraft. A recent study found that there are now more than 29,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters in orbit, and that number is expected to grow to more than 100,000 by 2030.

The dangers of space debris

Space debris can damage or destroy satellites and other spacecraft, which can disrupt communications, navigation, and other critical services. In 2009, a defunct Russian satellite collided with an active Iridium satellite, creating a cloud of debris that threatened other satellites. In 2021, a piece of space debris damaged the International Space Station, forcing astronauts to take shelter.

Missions to clean up space debris

Several missions are planned or underway to address the problem of space debris. The European Space Agency (ESA) is developing a mission called ClearSpace-1, which will launch in 2025 to capture and deorbit a defunct satellite. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is developing a mission called ELSA-d, which will launch in 2023 to test technologies for removing space debris.

The future of space debris removal

The problem of space debris is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. However, the missions that are planned or underway represent an important step towards cleaning up the cosmos and ensuring the safety of future space missions.

• The amount of space debris is growing rapidly.
• Space debris poses a significant threat to operational spacecraft.
• Several missions are planned or underway to address the problem of space debris.