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.

Skills

Awareness, Sustainability, Collaboration

Learning Objectives

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.

Equipment