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
Latest about space junk
China reached out to NASA to avoid a potential satellite collision in 1st-of-its-kind space cooperation
A NASA official said that China contacted the U.S. space agency recently to coordinate a satellite maneuver, marking the first time the Chinese side had reached out to its American counterpart.
Could we blast space debris out of harm's way with ion beams?
A new space debris removal project, ALBATOR, plans to tackle the growing debris problem in orbit.
This company's plan to launch 4,000 massive space mirrors has scientists alarmed: 'From an astronomical perspective, that's pretty catastrophic'
Reflect Orbital has applied for a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license to launch a giant mirror to space next year.
Mysterious smoldering wreckage in Australian Outback is likely part of a Chinese rocket
A piece of smoldering wreckage found in Western Australia is likely part of a Chinese rocket that crashed to Earth on Saturday (Oct. 18), experts say.
New space debris shield? Satellites and astronauts could suit up in novel 'Space Armor'
Humanity has a new tool in the fight against space junk — "Space Armor," a multi-functional composite that could protect both spacecraft and astronauts.
Is low Earth orbit getting too crowded? New study rings an alarm bell
Hundreds of satellites may soon be flying in orbital regions that are already too packed to allow safe and long-term operations, a new study suggests.
China is developing ways to de-orbit space junk. Should we be worried?
As Beijing prepares to tackle space debris, transparency and trust will determine whether the effort is viewed as stewardship or a strategic threat.
Chinese astronauts add debris shielding to Tiangong space station during 6-hour spacewalk (video)
Two Chinese astronauts installed more debris shielding on the Tiangong space station during a six-hour spacewalk on Friday (Sept. 26). It was the fourth EVA of the Shenzhou 20 mission.
