Satellite Debris

Launched in 1969, the UK's oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, has moved significantly from its original position. Experts believe this was due to a deliberate command in the 1970s. The satellite now orbits over the Americas, near active satellite traffic, raising risks of collisions. Limited records exist regarding its control history, with suggestions o...

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a satellite tool that can detect plastic waste on beaches from over 600 km above the Earth. This innovative technology uses variations in light reflection to identify plastic debris, offering a new approach to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution. With millions of tonnes of plastic entering oc...

The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently in discussions with SpaceX regarding the latter’s potential involvement in a global initiative to address space junk. With nearly 19,000 pieces of debris orbiting Earth, ESA’s Zero Debris Charter aims to halt the addition of new debris by 2030. As SpaceX operates about two-thirds of active satellites...

Boeing's Intelsat 33e satellite has broken apart in orbit, resulting in at least 20 pieces of debris. The satellite ceased operation on 19 October 2024, with a total loss confirmed two days later. Currently, the cause of the incident remains unclear, prompting investigations by Intelsat and Boeing. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regardin...

The European Space Agency (ESA) will witness a rare event as the first of four Cluster satellites, named "Salsa", re-enters Earth's atmosphere on September 8. This satellite, launched as part of ESA's Cluster mission, will burn up in an uncontrolled yet targeted reentry over a remote part of the South Pacific Ocean. The event presents a unique oppo...

Despite China's assurances on debris mitigation, experts worry about the growing risk from such incidents, emphasizing the need for better international regulation.

China's Long March 6A rocket broke apart creating over 300 pieces of trackable debris in low Earth orbit, after achieving a significant milestone of launching 18 Qianfan satellites, the US Space Command (USSPACECOM) said today.

A Russian satellite has broken up into more than 100 pieces of debris in orbit, forcing astronauts on the International Space Station to take shelter, US space agencies said.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) swiftly declared the launch a success shortly after liftoff.

Japanese researchers have developed LignoSat, a wooden satellite crafted from magnolia wood to combat space debris.

Chandrayaan-3's lift-off had to be delayed by four seconds to avoid any possible collision with space debris and satellites, the Indian Space Research Organisation has revealed.

Former astronaut Colonel Melroy stated that hundreds of bullet-fast fragments of debris would have shot around Earth if the satellites had collided.

ISRO on Monday said its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has accomplished zero orbital debris mission, and described it "another milestone".

US authorities said they have issued a "breakthrough" first-ever fine over space debris, slapping a $150,000 penalty on a TV company that failed to properly dispose of a satellite.

South Korea's military released images of part of a North Korean spy satellite that crashed soon after launch Wednesday due to a rocket failure, with Seoul's military finding and salvaging the debris.

Launched in 1969, the UK's oldest satellite, Skynet-1A, has moved significantly from its original position. Experts believe this was due to a deliberate command in the 1970s. The satellite now orbits over the Americas, near active satellite traffic, raising risks of collisions. Limited records exist regarding its control history, with suggestions o...

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a satellite tool that can detect plastic waste on beaches from over 600 km above the Earth. This innovative technology uses variations in light reflection to identify plastic debris, offering a new approach to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution. With millions of tonnes of plastic entering oc...

The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently in discussions with SpaceX regarding the latter’s potential involvement in a global initiative to address space junk. With nearly 19,000 pieces of debris orbiting Earth, ESA’s Zero Debris Charter aims to halt the addition of new debris by 2030. As SpaceX operates about two-thirds of active satellites...

Boeing's Intelsat 33e satellite has broken apart in orbit, resulting in at least 20 pieces of debris. The satellite ceased operation on 19 October 2024, with a total loss confirmed two days later. Currently, the cause of the incident remains unclear, prompting investigations by Intelsat and Boeing. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regardin...

The European Space Agency (ESA) will witness a rare event as the first of four Cluster satellites, named "Salsa", re-enters Earth's atmosphere on September 8. This satellite, launched as part of ESA's Cluster mission, will burn up in an uncontrolled yet targeted reentry over a remote part of the South Pacific Ocean. The event presents a unique oppo...

Despite China's assurances on debris mitigation, experts worry about the growing risk from such incidents, emphasizing the need for better international regulation.

China's Long March 6A rocket broke apart creating over 300 pieces of trackable debris in low Earth orbit, after achieving a significant milestone of launching 18 Qianfan satellites, the US Space Command (USSPACECOM) said today.

A Russian satellite has broken up into more than 100 pieces of debris in orbit, forcing astronauts on the International Space Station to take shelter, US space agencies said.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) swiftly declared the launch a success shortly after liftoff.

Japanese researchers have developed LignoSat, a wooden satellite crafted from magnolia wood to combat space debris.

Chandrayaan-3's lift-off had to be delayed by four seconds to avoid any possible collision with space debris and satellites, the Indian Space Research Organisation has revealed.

Former astronaut Colonel Melroy stated that hundreds of bullet-fast fragments of debris would have shot around Earth if the satellites had collided.

ISRO on Monday said its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has accomplished zero orbital debris mission, and described it "another milestone".

US authorities said they have issued a "breakthrough" first-ever fine over space debris, slapping a $150,000 penalty on a TV company that failed to properly dispose of a satellite.

South Korea's military released images of part of a North Korean spy satellite that crashed soon after launch Wednesday due to a rocket failure, with Seoul's military finding and salvaging the debris.