Space Is Becoming an ‘Unsustainable Environment’ as Space Junk Piles Up

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Jul 26, 2024

Although outer space might seem expansive, the debris-filled area surrounding Earth is creating a major issue.

According to the 2024 Space Environment Report by the European Space Agency (ESA), the clutter in Earth’s orbit is becoming a significant problem, with over 35,000 tracked objects, most of them debris larger than 4 inches.

ESA's Annual Space Environment Report

Since 2017, the ESA has published its Space Environment Report annually. The latest edition, released on July 23, 2024, highlights the alarming amount of debris orbiting Earth.

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An image of several scientists working on data in their office

Source: Wikimedia

Despite efforts to control the accumulation, space junk continues to pile up, creating an “unsustainable environment in the long-term.”

Collision-Avoidance Maneuvers by SpaceX

SpaceX revealed that its Starlink satellites had to make nearly 50,000 collision-avoidance maneuvers over the past year. This highlights the increasing danger of space debris.

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A satellite hovering over a coastline above Earth.

Source: SpaceX/Unsplash

In May 2024, debris from a Crew Dragon spacecraft landed in North Carolina, narrowly missing private residences, illustrating the risks posed by uncontrolled re-entries.

The Kessler Syndrome Threat

The Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where collisions between space debris create more debris, leading to a cascade of collisions. This self-sustaining chain reaction could make space activities impossible for generations.

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Space debris above Earth

Source: Hopeful in NJ/Flickr

ESA’s data indicates that the probability of such events is increasing, posing a significant threat to space operations.

Impact on Space Missions and Astronomy

The growing amount of space junk endangers satellites, space missions, and astronomical research. Critical infrastructure like the Hubble Space Telescope and future observatories could be at risk.

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SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company's Dragon spacecraft is launched on NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts

Source: Aubrey Gemignani/NASA via Getty Images

Astronomers, who rely on clear views of the cosmos, face challenges due to the interference caused by debris.

Efforts to Mitigate Space Debris

Despite the grim outlook, efforts to combat space debris are intensifying. International collaborations and innovative technologies aim to address the issue.

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A photograph of the Earth from space

Source: Alexander Gerst/ESA via Getty Images

ESA’s ClearSpace-1 mission, scheduled for 2025, will demonstrate active debris removal by capturing and deorbiting large pieces of space junk.

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Commercial and Legal Challenges

Mitigation efforts face commercial and legal challenges. Companies like SpaceX must balance operational efficiency with adherence to space debris guidelines.

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A photograph of a SpaceX Satellite

Source: Tim Peake / ESA/NASA via Getty Images

The lack of cohesive international regulations further complicates enforcement, requiring countries and corporations to navigate complex policies and interests.

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Increased Uncontrolled Re-entries

2023 saw a significant increase in uncontrolled re-entries of space debris, with over 600 objects tumbling back to Earth.

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Space Junk Is Falling to Earth More Frequently, But Who Is Responsible? 

Source: Cavna/The Glamping Collective

This rise is partly due to increased solar activity, which causes the upper atmosphere to swell, bringing low-Earth orbit objects down faster. This phenomenon led to more frequent and unpredictable re-entries.

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Public Awareness and Policy Advocacy

Raising public awareness about space debris is crucial for fostering responsibility among stakeholders. Educational campaigns and policy advocacy can drive stricter regulations and international cooperation.

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Debris floating around in space above the earth.

Source: @SpaceFabrics/X

Global organizations like the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) play a major role in mediating and enforcing agreements.

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Technological Innovations in Debris Removal

Technological advancements offer hope for space debris mitigation. Innovative solutions like laser-based debris removal and robotic arms for capturing and deorbiting junk are in development.

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European Space Agency (EPA) astronaut Alexander Gerst, Expedition 41 flight engineer, uses a camera to make a photo of his helmet visor during a session of extravehicular activity (EVA) outside the International Space Station (ISS) October 7, 2017 in space.

Source: NASA via Getty Images

These technologies aim to reduce the amount of debris in space and prevent the Kessler Syndrome from becoming a reality.

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Global Collaboration and Future Strategies

The path to a sustainable space environment requires global collaboration and strategic planning. Countries and private companies must work together to implement effective debris mitigation measures.

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SpaceX debris found in North Carolina. Debris is on a grassy area with hills and blue sky in background

Source: The Glamping Collective

Future strategies may include stricter regulations for satellite launches and mandatory end-of-life disposal plans for satellites.

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Where to Go From Here

The 2024 Space Environment Report shows the urgency of addressing space debris. While technological advancements and international collaborations offer hope, immediate and concerted action is needed.

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A photograph of Earth from space

Source: Wikimedia

The debris problem needs to be tackled with ingenuity and determination to ensure the long-term viability of space activities and preserve our cosmic neighborhood.

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