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!
Votre mission: Effectuer un parcours immergé dans l’eau pour préparer pour votre future sortie extravéhiculaire. This resource was created by …
Your Mission: Investigate healthy food choices and Calorie needs for life on earth vs. life in space Astronauts living on …
Your Mission: Investigate the relationship between microorganisms and many every day products. Microbes live everywhere, including outer space! Scientists have …
Your Mission: Investigate which factors affect plant growth, and relate these factors to growing plants in space. All the things …
Your Mission: Perform a reaction time activity using a ruler to practice hand-eye coordination and concentration. In preparation for space …
Your Mission: Explore the anatomy of the hand and build a bionic hand from cardboard. In a near future, it …
Your mission: Learn the basics of martial arts (karate) to defend yourself against simple attacks and, in case of emergency, …
Your mission: Sharpen your senses to score the most goals and develop your reflexes. This resource was created by CNES, …
Your Mission: Observe and compare bones, and design bone models to investigate ways to keep bones healthy. Explorers need strong …
Votre mission: Effectuer un parcours d’obstacle en fauteuil roulant pour développer votre coordination et votre endurance. This resource was created …