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.
Every year, we shoot several thousand satellites and other objects out into space. When satellites die, they become space trash that threatens aerospace safety.
Space Exploration
Oct 22, 2025
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The mysterious object was on fire and lying in the middle of a remote dirt road in Western Australia's Pilbara region when mine workers stumbled upon it.
Space Exploration
Oct 21, 2025
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When Ann Walter looked outside her rural West Texas home, she didn't know what to make of the bulky object slowly drifting across the sky.
Space Exploration
Oct 10, 2025
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Since the early days of human space exploration, the endeavor has been haunted by a very good question: why spend so much on space when there are so many urgent problems here on Earth?
Space Exploration
Sep 8, 2025
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Space has a trash problem, with defunct satellites, rockets, and smaller broken bits orbiting Earth at high speeds. The amount of space junk is only increasing, raising the risk of collision with active satellites and spacecraft, ...
Space Exploration
Sep 8, 2025
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250
In Tenerife, Spain, stands a unique duo: ESA's Izaña-1 and Izaña-2 laser-ranging stations. Together, they form an optical technology testbed of the European Space Agency that takes the monitoring of space debris and satellites ...
Space Exploration
Aug 28, 2025
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30
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed and tested a micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) detection and characterization system designed for satellites and spacecraft to monitor impacts from space debris. The ...
Space Exploration
Aug 18, 2025
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Old satellites and debris pose a danger to space travel. An international research team with participation from Würzburg is working on a satellite that cleans up space—inspired by the animal kingdom.
Space Exploration
Aug 14, 2025
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Earth orbit is becoming increasingly crowded. With more than 11,000 active satellites and many thousands more expected in the coming years, as well as more than 1.2 million pieces of space debris greater than 1 cm, the risk ...
Space Exploration
Aug 12, 2025
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Solar storms that fling magnetism across the solar system can knock out satellites, power grids, communication and navigation systems, and endanger astronauts in space. Scientists can observe these phenomena, called coronal ...
Planetary Sciences
Aug 7, 2025
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