Paris (ESA) Nov 19, 2021 In 2021 so far, some 2467 new objects large enough to be tracked have been...
Every now and then, an event occurs in Earth orbit that generates large quantities of new space debris.
The rest comprise space debris, the direct result of 'fragmentation events' of which roughly 630 are known to have occurred to date.
After each new fragmentation event, ESA's Space Debris Office begins its analysis.
International cooperation Space debris are constantly monitored by the US space surveillance network, and ESA's space debris experts use this and other monitoring data to improve and update models to better understand the evolving debris environment.
Keeping space highways safe The United Nations has set out guidelines to reduce the growing amount of space debris in orbit.
Experts from ESA's Space Debris Office have contributed to these guidelines and routinely advise on how to implement them for ESA missions.
As part of the Agency's space safety and security activities, ESA is working to keep Earth's commercially and scientifically vital orbital environment as debris-free as possible and to pioneer an eco-friendly approach to space activities.
ESA is the first space agency to adopt the ambitious target of inverting Europe's contribution to space debris by 2030, directly tackling the issue of space debris by advancing the technology needed to maintain a clean space environment.
As the 'New Space' era beckons, and large constellations comprising thousands of satellites start to be launched, much more needs to be done to ensure Earth's space environment is used sustainably for future generations.
Ensuring the safety of our space infrastructure and investments, and therefore Europe's non-dependent use of space, is vital for safeguarding businesses, economies and ultimately our way of life.