The amount of trash in Earth orbit, from spent rocket stages, broken satellites and micrometeoroids, is growing. Scientists are working on methods to combat the threat of space junk and orbital debris collisions.
Related Topics: International Space Station, Incredible Space Tech, Military Space, NASA
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Latest about space junk
A failed Soviet Venus probe is falling to Earth. Here's what it might look like
Recent sighting of spacecraft and debris burning through the atmosphere during their plummet back to Earth offer some clues as to what the reentry of a failed Soviet Venus lander might look like.
Old Soviet Venus lander's fall to Earth will be no ordinary space junk crash. Here's why
The Soviet Union's failed Kosmos 482 Venus probe will fall back to Earth from orbit soon, and it may well make it to the ground in one piece.
Scientists chased a falling spacecraft with a plane to understand satellite air pollution
A dramatic aircraft chase of a falling spacecraft has provided new insights into the fiery processes that accompany the atmospheric demise of retired satellites.
International Space Station fires thrusters to avoid Chinese rocket debris
A Russian cargo ship docked to the International Space Station fired its thrusters Wednesday (April 30) to distance itself from passing piece of orbital space debris.
3 big hunks of space junk crash to Earth every day — and it's only going to get worse
At least three old satellites or rocket bodies fall to Earth every day, a new report reveals. Some experts think it's a worrying trend.
Private Astroscale probe will refuel Space Force satellites high above Earth on landmark 2026 mission
Astroscale and Orbit Fab are teaming up to refuel U.S. Space Force satellites in geostationary orbit high above Earth, demonstrating a capability that could reshape space operations.
True Anomaly to launch 1st deep-space security missions with autonomous Jackal satellites in 2026
Colorado-based startup True Anomaly plans to begin launching its autonomous Jackal satellites to geosynchronous orbit and Earth-moon space in 2026.
ESA's new documentary paints worrying picture of Earth's orbital junk problem
The European Space Agency's new documentary short tackles the question of whether space debris has reached crisis level.
