The surge in space exploration and satellite launches has led to a dramatic increase in space debris orbiting Earth. This debris poses a significant risk to satellites and spacecraft, threatening the long-term sustainability of space activities. This post delves into the definition and problems of space debris, alongside international efforts and technological solutions to address the issue. 1. What is Space Debris? 1-1. Definition of Space Debris Space debris refers to all non-functional objects orbiting Earth, including defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and collision debris. 1-2. Current Situation As of 2023, over 36,000 trackable pieces of space debris and millions of smaller fragments exist in Earth's orbit. The number continues to grow with the increasing frequency of satellite launches. 2. Problems Caused by Space Debris 2-1. Increased Collision Risk Debris traveling at speeds of 7-8 km/s can cause severe damage to satellites or spacecraft, even if the debris is small. ...