Latest News About Space Junk and Orbital Debris

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

3 big hunks of space junk crash to Earth every day — and it's only going to get worse
By Tereza Pultarova published
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
By Andrew Jones published
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
By Mike Wall published
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
By Monisha Ravisetti published
The European Space Agency's new documentary short tackles the question of whether space debris has reached crisis level.

FAA closes investigation into SpaceX Starship Flight 7 explosion
By Mike Wall published
The FAA has closed its investigation into the SpaceX Starship Flight 7 mishap, accepting the company's findings and verifying its corrective actions.

Watch fiery SpaceX Starship Flight 8 debris rain down over The Bahamas (video)
By Mike Wall published
The upper stage of SpaceX's huge Starship rocket exploded over the Atlantic Ocean this evening (March 6), creating a dramatic sky show for people in The Bahamas, Florida and elsewhere.

SpaceX says its Falcon 9 rocket debris crash over Europe was caused by propellant leak
By Julian Dossett published
A propellant leak was to blame for the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket crashing to Earth over Europe last week, SpaceX says.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris creates dramatic fireball over Europe, crashes in Poland (video)
By Julian Dossett published
A SpaceX rocket stage fell to Earth early Wednesday morning (Feb. 19), blazing a trail of fire through European skies.
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