Before the space age began (1957), only deep-space micrometeorites populated outer space

Quantity 

The number of very small, thus untraceable, man-made debris objects estimated to be in Earth orbit is as follows(*):

  • about 20,00 space debris objects greater than 10 cm;
  • about 700,000 space debris objects (**) greater than 1 cm;
  • about 170 million space debris objects  greater than 1 mm.

 

(*) measurement in centimeters refers to the equivalent diameter

(*) For satellite manufacturers, the most dangerous space debris objects are those with sizes between 5 and 15 mm.

 

Risks

Due to relative orbital velocities, that can exceed 50 thousand kilometers per hour, a 1-centimeter space debris object can severely damage or disable an operational spacecraft, while collisions with objects greater than 10 cm would cause catastrophic break-ups generating thousands of debris fragments, which could then contribute to other collisions, triggering the run-away self-sustained, cascading collision process in some orbital regions (the so-called "Kessler syndrome," named after NASA researcher Donald Kessler who highlighted the problem in the late 1970s).

 

Mitigation and Remedies 

Space debris mitigation measures, if properly implemented by spacecraft designers and mission operators, can reduce the rate at which space debris objects grow. In the long term, the active removal of old spacecraft and rocket stages from the existing on-orbit mass appears to be the only measure capable of reversing the current phase of debris growth.

 

International Actors 

To acquire a better understanding of the space environment, assess its environmental risks, mitigate space debris growth, and monitor stability, a multitude of technical disciplines come into play, such as that of the IADC committee.

In its resolution 62/217, the UN General Assembly endorsed the Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines document of the Committee on the Pacific Use of Outer Space (following a 2003 IADC proposal), agreed about the voluntary use of space debris mitigation guidelines, considered related existing practices already developed by a number of national and international organizations, and urged its Member States to implement these guidelines through appropriate national mechanisms.

Since October 4, 1957, over 4,900 space launches have resulted in more than 17,000 trackable objects greater than 10 cm (equivalent diameter), as  shown in the U.S. Space Surveillance Network chart.

Among these objects:

  • about 1,000 are operational spacecraft;
  • the remaining 94% are space debris, i.e., objects that are no longer of any use;
  • about 64% of the routinely tracked objects are fragments that belonged to 250 space systems that got fragmented in orbit, mainly from sudden explosions and also from collisions between satellites or launch systems.

According to the highly reliable estimates of the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) that were submitted to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (UN COPUOS) in February 2013, the long-term debris mass has become unstable due to the self-sustained phenomenon of on-orbit impacts, despite the adoption by the UN GA in New York in 2008 with UN Resolution No. 62/217 of the UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines to counter space pollution.

The above is a threat for the continuation of the colonization of circumterrestrial space because the space environment is changing in such a way that it is no longer commercially exploitable in the long term.

Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee

 

‣ News

WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025

Renewal of the collective bargaining agreement for Kenyan personnel at the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre ‣

  The Luigi Broglio Space Centre (BSC) in Malindi hosted the final negotiation meeting today for the renewal of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (C.B.A) covering the period 2025–2028. Luca Vincenzo Maria Salamone, Director General of the Italian Space Agency (ASI), participated via videoconference, while the ASI negotiating delegation—comprising Alessandro Preti, Director of Human Resources; Dalila Sabato, Head of the Union Relations Service; Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi Site; and Maurizio Toninelli from the Malindi Site—signed the new agreement alongside Antony Rajoro, Secretary General of the Kenya Scientific, Research, International, Technical and Institutions Workers Union (KRISTAIWU). Also present was Joseph Kagotho Muriithi, representing the Kenya Space Agency (KSA). Opening the meeting remotely, the Director General expressed appreciation for the efforts of both the Kenyan Union representatives and ASI’s negotiating team, stating: “Today is an important milestone for all of us. The signing of this Collective Bargaining Agreement strengthens the relationship between ASI and its employees. Over the next four years, this agreement will provide a foundation of clear and mutually agreed-upon guidelines, fostering a stable and harmonious work environment where everyone can contribute their best.” Alessandro Preti, ASI’s Director of Human Resources, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: “This agreement is a testament to the power of constructive dialogue and the pursuit of balanced solutions. Our goal remains to cultivate a strong and motivating workplace—one that values the dedication of its employees and ensures their contributions drive the success of our organization.” Both KRISTAIWU’s Secretary General and KSA’s representative expressed their satisfaction with the agreement reached. Following the signing, Munzer Jahjah, Head of the Malindi site (BSC), along with the rest of the ASI negotiating delegation and Union representatives, held a meeting with local BSC employees to present and explain the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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LuGRE achieves historic lunar radionavigation milestone ‣

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FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER 2024

COSMO-SkyMed carried out radar acquisitions to analyse tanker collision in the Black Sea ‣

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TUESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2024

CUBESAT Training Course ‣

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