Space Debris

Growing activity in space poses an environmental challenge for the world. Rocket launches create carbon emissions, which worsen the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, increased satellite presence adds to the growing quantity of space debris in orbit.

Space junk is created when objects are abandoned in orbit or collide with one another. There are plenty of defunct satellites left in orbit after completing their missions. This leads to frequent in-orbit collisions, which cause small pieces of metal to break off, creating even more space junk. This space debris can endanger new space missions.

Other concerns surrounding frequent rocket launches include C02 emissions that affect climate change. While the number of commercial and tourist space flights grows exponentially and more satellites are ready to launch, many space companies are searching for solutions to C02 emissions and space debris removal.