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.
On Aug. 5, 2026, an abandoned piece of space junk is predicted to crash into the moon near a spot called Einstein Crater. Astronomers will be watching because the collision and aftermath may be visible from Earth.
AI companies increasingly want to move their operations into space. Elon Musk's SpaceX has applied to launch over a million AI data center satellites and ultimately build them on the moon.
Earth Sciences
Jul 20, 2026
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India's first privately built orbital rocket took its maiden flight Saturday, its company said, marking a significant step for the South Asian giant as it eyes a bigger slice of the global space economy.
Space Exploration
Jul 18, 2026
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20
America's most daring, extraordinary feat—landing astronauts on the moon—remains the pinnacle of achievement by anyone anywhere. Ever.
Space Exploration
Jul 18, 2026
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57
Reflect Orbital moves ahead with the company's first Eärendil launch amid concerns from the astronomical community.
Astronomy
Jul 17, 2026
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68
A giant mirror to create "sunlight on demand" was just approved by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), despite opposition from astronomers and the public, and real safety concerns.
Space Exploration
Jul 13, 2026
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In a new study, published in the Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Warwick researchers led an international effort to uncover some of the faintest debris in geosynchronous orbit ever observed, finding fragments as small ...
Space Exploration
Jul 8, 2026
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35
Hayabusa 2's primary mission is now well in the past. JAXA's asteroid-sampling spacecraft rendezvoused with asteroid Ryugu in June 2018. It studied the asteroid for 1.5 years and gathered a sample that was returned to Earth ...
Space Exploration
Jul 8, 2026
1
42
We've reported on all kinds of wacky ideas for capturing and deorbiting space debris safely. From electric tethers to lasers, engineers and scientists have been trying everything they can think of to deal with the ever-increasing ...
Space Exploration
Jul 6, 2026
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The 1.7 million satellites that companies are aiming to launch into Earth's orbit in the coming years will have "devastating consequences for astronomy," new research warned Wednesday.
Astronomy
Jul 4, 2026
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