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Help to reduce space debris and environmental hazards of rocket launches.

The Growing Danger of Space Debris — and What We Can Do About It

“We share one sky. What happens above us affects us all.”

As rocket launches become more frequent and satellites crowd our orbit, a new environmental threat is accelerating — space debris. Often invisible to the naked eye, this ever-growing cloud of human-made junk orbiting Earth is not just a cosmic inconvenience. It’s a clear and present danger to our environment, safety, and future.

This is not science fiction. It’s happening now.

What Is Space Debris?

Space debris (or “space junk”) refers to non-functional satellites, discarded rocket parts, fragments from collisions, and other remnants left in Earth’s orbit. As of 2025, there are over 130 million pieces of space debris, ranging in size from flecks of paint to bus-sized rocket bodies.

Even small fragments travel at speeds over 17,500 mph, fast enough to damage or destroy operational satellites, the International Space Station, or future space missions.

Why Should We Care?

1. Environmental Risks
Rocket launches release toxic chemicals into the atmosphere. Falling debris can contaminate oceans and natural habitats. Worse, increased launch activity — without responsible cleanup — adds to the climate crisis and threatens dark sky protections.

2. Safety and Public Health
Debris falling from the sky is no longer rare. Just in recent years, pieces of space junk have crashed into homes, fields, and waterways. With more commercial and military launches planned, the risk of catastrophic accidents increases.

3. Astronomical and Cultural Impact
Light pollution from satellites and space junk compromises our ability to observe the night sky, harming astronomers, stargazers, and Indigenous traditions tied to celestial navigation.

4. Kessler Syndrome: A Chain Reaction We Can’t Undo
If space becomes too crowded, one collision could trigger a cascade of others — making entire orbits unusable. This would shut down GPS, communications, Earth monitoring, and climate science.

What Can We Do?

This is a policy issue. An environmental issue. A justice issue.
And we can take action — right now.

1. Contact Your Representatives

Ask them to support responsible space legislation, including:

  • Regulation of commercial launches

  • Funding for debris removal technologies

  • International cooperation on orbital sustainability

    ✅ Find your U.S. Representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
    ✅ Contact your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
    ✅ California State Officials: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

2. Sign Petitions & Support Advocacy

Join global voices calling for cleaner skies:

  • Clean Up Space – Avaaz Petition

  • Earth & Sky’s Call to Protect the Night

3. Educate and Organize

Host a community screening of “The Space Junk Problem”
Invite local leaders to discuss how space policy intersects with environmental justice.
Write op-eds, share on social media, and keep the pressure on.

One Sky. One Earth. One Responsibility.

Let’s not let short-term profits create long-term ruin. Together, we can bring awareness, push for accountability, and preserve the wonder of the night sky.

📝 Ready to Take Action?
➡️ Contact your representatives
➡️ Share this page
➡️ Demand a sustainable future — on Earth and in orbit

INTERNET RESOURCES

https://www.nasa.gov/headquarters/library/find/bibliographies/space-debris/

SLIDE PRESENTATIONS

  • Liou, J. C. (2016). The Orbital Debris Program. Retrieved from NTRS, 20160005242.

  • Matney, Mark (2017). Measuring Small Debris – What You Can’t See Can Hurt You. Retrieved from NTRS, 20160011225.

  • Stansbery, Eugene (2013). NASA Orbital Debris Program. Retrieved from NTRS, 20130010239.

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