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!
Join ESA astronaut, Samantha Cristoforetti and Jaime from Cosmic Kids on a brand new adventure… Yoga in Space! Follow along …
Your Mission: Investigate which factors affect plant growth, and relate these factors to growing plants in space. All the things …
Your Mission: Assemble a puzzle quickly and correctly to understand the importance of dexterity and hand-eye coordination. When working with …
Your Mission: Perform a climb training activity on wall bars or a rock wall to improve balance and coordination, and …
During a spacewalks, astronauts need some serious dexterity and hand-eye coordination to carefully complete tasks, all while wearing bulky gloves …
Your Mission: Perform a walk, progressing to 1600m to improve lung, heart, and other muscle endurance. When exploring space, astronauts …
Your Mission: Complete an agility course as quickly and as accurately as possible to improve agility, coordination and speed. When …
Your Mission: Follow the development of three plants for 12 weeks to explore germination and plant growth. If astronauts are …
Your Mission: Train with a cycle to improve leg muscles, cardio-vascular fitness and endurance. One exercise device that is regularly …
Your Mission: Perform an activity that blends together squats, pushups, and jumping in the air (burpees) to promote muscular strength, …