13,000 Tons of Space Debris: Three Fronts for Removal

Seventy years ago, the Moon was Earth’s only satellite. Today, there are over 15,000 artificial satellites in Earth’s orbit, about 10,000 of which are Starlink satellites operated by SpaceX. Furthermore, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has announced plans to launch a staggering one million satellites to create a mega-constellation of data centers. This rapid expansion of space development is giving rise to a new crisis. The total weight of discarded rocket bodies, defunct satellites, and their fragments—collectively known as space debris—has been estimated to reach 13,486 tons. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving technology, policy, and philosophy, according to the academic media outlet The Conversation.

The Growing Space Debris Problem

Space debris consists of all non-functional objects orbiting Earth. This includes discarded rocket stages, decommissioned satellites, and fragments resulting from collisions or explosions. The debris ranges in size from pieces larger than 10 centimeters to tiny nanoparticles. Currently, there are an estimated 36,000 debris pieces larger than 10 centimeters, while smaller particles number in the tens of millions to billions. To put the scale into perspective, the total weight of 13,486 tons is equivalent to the combined weight of approximately 13 million cane toads in Australia.

The primary contributors to this growing problem are the United States, Russia (including the former Soviet Union), and China. Countries with longer histories of space activities have accumulated more debris over time.

The Threat of Kessler Syndrome

The greatest danger posed by space debris lies in its velocity. In low Earth orbit, debris travels at an average speed of 7 kilometers per second. Even small fragments only a few centimeters in size can destroy a satellite on impact. Such collisions create additional debris, which can then collide with other objects—a chain reaction known as “Kessler Syndrome.” In the worst-case scenario, this could render certain orbital regions unusable and even isolate Earth from outer space.

The International Space Station (ISS) already takes evasive maneuvers at least once a year to avoid debris. The safety of manned space missions is increasingly threatened by this growing hazard.

Technological Approaches

Technological solutions to the debris problem are broadly divided into two categories: active debris removal (ADR) and improvements in satellite design. ADR involves deorbiting defunct spacecraft to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere or moving them to unused “graveyard orbits.” A priority list has already been established, targeting 50 high-risk objects—mainly abandoned rocket stages—for removal. Proposed removal techniques include nets, magnets, tethers, sails, slingshots, and harpoons, though only a few have been successfully tested in space.

For newly launched satellites, options include using more durable materials to extend their operational lifespans or designing them with materials that facilitate quicker deorbiting.

Policy and Philosophy

Technology alone cannot solve the space debris issue. International regulations and philosophical reflections on the purpose of space exploration are also essential. Existing treaties governing space activities, such as the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, are limited and lack binding obligations to mitigate debris generation. In 2022, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced a “five-year rule,” requiring satellites to deorbit within five years of completing their missions. However, a global consensus on such regulations has yet to be achieved.

As private companies like SpaceX deploy thousands—or even tens of thousands—of satellites, the sustainability of space as a shared resource is under scrutiny. Balancing profit motives with environmental protection requires not only policy but also ethical discussions.

Environmental Impact

One common method of debris removal involves deorbiting objects to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, but this approach is not without its own issues. For instance, at least one Starlink satellite reenters and burns up in Earth’s atmosphere daily. The resulting soot and alumina particles released into the stratosphere could harm the ozone layer, potentially reducing its ability to protect Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Thus, attempts to reduce space debris may inadvertently introduce new environmental challenges for Earth’s atmosphere.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, as SpaceX’s mega-constellation plans progress, regulations like the FCC’s five-year rule could gain traction globally, and demonstrations of debris removal technologies may accelerate. Companies such as Japan’s Astroscale are particularly worth watching. In the long term, the space debris removal sector could become a viable market, supported by frameworks established by the insurance industry and space traffic management (STM).

However, if Elon Musk’s plan to launch one million satellites becomes a reality, current debris removal technologies may not be able to keep pace. The editorial team believes that beyond technological development, the international community must seriously discuss rules for using outer space as a shared resource. Will space exploration benefit humanity, or will it create new environmental problems? Policies based on the precautionary principle are urgently needed.

References

• The Conversation - Technology — Published on 2026-06-30