Space debris as a research area focuses on the characterization, modeling, monitoring, and mitigation of artificial objects orbiting Earth that are no longer functional, including defunct satellites, spent rocket bodies, and fragmentation products. It encompasses orbital dynamics and environment modeling, collision probability assessment, re-entry prediction, material response during breakup, and the long-term evolution of the debris population. Research addresses sensor technologies and data processing for tracking, space surveillance and tracking (SST) architectures, mitigation and remediation strategies (e.g., post-mission disposal, active debris removal), and the development of technical standards and guidelines to preserve the sustainability and safety of space operations.
Chinese rocket startup Space Epoch put on a show recently, with a demonstration test launch of their reusable Yanxingzhe-1 rocket booster.
Space Exploration
Jun 4, 2025
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A team of solar physicists has released a new study shedding light on the fine-scale structure of the sun's surface. Using the unparalleled power of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, built and operated by the National ...
Astronomy
Jun 3, 2025
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SpaceX's last two efforts to make progress on its Starship and Super Heavy rocket ended with streaks of debris hurtling across the sky. The Federal Aviation Administration, though, is now satisfied it's safe for SpaceX to ...
Space Exploration
May 26, 2025
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At this moment, there are approximately 35,000 tracked human-generated objects in orbit around Earth. Of these, only about one-third are active payloads: science and communications satellites, research experiments, and other ...
Space Exploration
May 15, 2025
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A Soviet-era spacecraft plunged to Earth on Saturday, more than a half-century after its failed launch to Venus.
Space Exploration
May 11, 2025
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A half-ton Soviet spacecraft that never made it to Venus 53 years ago is expected to fall back to Earth this weekend.
Space Exploration
May 9, 2025
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Space junk and meteoroids are falling to Earth every year, posing a growing risk as they re-enter the atmosphere at high speeds. Researchers are using infrasound sensors to track these objects, including bolides, which are ...
Planetary Sciences
May 2, 2025
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In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. Several months later, the U.S. sent Explorer I into space. With two small objects, the space race began.
Space Exploration
Apr 18, 2025
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What are the dangers of going to space?
Space Exploration
Apr 3, 2025
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While life on Earth has been dramatic enough lately, there's also been an unusual amount of news from space in the early months of 2025. So far, debris from SpaceX and Blue Origin rockets has landed in locations including ...
Space Exploration
Apr 2, 2025
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