RSO (Resident Space Object)

An RSO, or Resident Space Object, refers to any object that orbits the Earth and remains within its space environment. This includes active spacecraft like satellites, as well as defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and space debris such as fragments from collisions or satellite disintegration. RSOs are tracked to monitor their positions and prevent collisions in the increasingly crowded near-Earth space. Understanding RSOs is essential for space safety, satellite operation planning, and protecting assets in orbit, facilitating sustainable use of Earth's orbital environment.