Context
A recent report highlights that nearly one tonne of uncontrolled space debris re-enters Earth’s atmosphere every week, with increasing incidents linked to the rapid rise in satellite launches and ageing spacecraft.
Explanation
- Space debris (space junk) includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, mission-related objects, and fragments from collisions or explosions orbiting Earth.
- Most debris burns up due to atmospheric friction during re-entry, but larger objects may survive and reach the surface.
- The growth of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations has increased congestion and collision risk, known as the Kessler Syndrome.
- Space Situational Awareness (SSA) tracks objects to prevent collisions and predict re-entries.
- International guidelines are issued by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
- Sustainable space operations require de-orbiting, passivation, active debris removal, and adherence to 25-year disposal guidelines.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040