Space Debris
Your mission: Just like astronauts who sometimes have to avoid space debris, you will become aware of human-caused pollution in space and develop a solution for this growing problem.
This resource was created by Space Expo, Netherlands 2025

Space debris consists of any human-made objects in Earth’s orbit that are no longer operational. This often includes defunct satellites or discarded rocket stages, but sometimes even small fragments of metal or paint. Satellites are rarely retrieved when they stop working, and some even become uncontrollable from Earth, increasing the risk of collisions. These collisions, in turn, generate even more space debris, potentially leading to a chain reaction of crashes in orbit. To prevent this, fewer objects should be launched in the first place, but space activities must also become more sustainable by reusing components wherever possible. Additionally, space debris needs to be actively removed. In the meantime, the International Space Station (ISS) sometimes has to adjust its altitude to avoid debris, and astronauts must be ready to take shelter in their return capsule if necessary.
Awareness, Sustainability, Collaboration
Understand how humans have polluted, and continue to pollute, space – particularly the area around Earth.
Become aware of the extent of this pollution.
Explore solutions for the increasing number of satellites around Earth, focusing on sustainable ways to remove defunct satellites.
- PowerPoint presentation
- Paper
- Drawing and Crafting Materials
Explore more Mission X activities!
Your Mission: Perform a climb training activity on wall bars or a rock wall to improve balance and coordination, and …
Your mission: Sharpen your senses to score the most goals and develop your reflexes. This resource was created by CNES, …
Your Mission: Perform a series of somersaults on the ground to improve body coordination, flexibility, balance and strengthen your back, …
Your Mission: Explore taste sensations on the tongue and experiment to see which senses influence taste. For astronauts, all their …
Your Mission: Perform a reaction time activity using a ruler to practice hand-eye coordination and concentration. In preparation for space …
Your Mission: Perform body-weight squats and push-ups to develop upper and lower body strength in muscles and bones. Astronauts must …
Your mission: Perform a course immersed in water using only your arms to prepare for your future extravehicular activity! This …
Your Mission Playing sports requires teamwork and preparation. Teammates must work together. In space, astronauts also must react to new …
Venus is the most volcanic planet in our solar system and recent research suggests some of these volcanoes are still …
Did you know that jumping might be a key activity in keeping astronauts healthy in space? Try some jump rope …