Junk (space debris)

Space junk, or space debris, refers to the defunct objects orbiting Earth, such as old satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or explosions. This debris poses risks to active satellites and the International Space Station (ISS) due to the high speeds at which these objects travel. Even tiny pieces can cause significant damage upon impact. Efforts are being made to track, manage, and mitigate space debris to ensure the safety of current and future space missions, as the growing amount of junk complicates the already crowded orbital environment.