[ECO]Space Junk Crisis: How Clean Space Technology is Protecting Earth’s Orbital Environment

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Space Junk Crisis: How Clean Space Technology is Protecting Earth’s Orbital Environment

High above our heads, invisible to the naked eye, a growing crisis threatens humanity’s gateway to the stars. About 40,000 objects are now tracked by space surveillance networks, of which about 11,000 are active payloads, whilst the remaining 29,000 pieces represent a dangerous collection of space debris orbiting Earth at speeds exceeding 28,000 kilometres per hour. But rather than succumb to this mounting challenge, the

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is responding with remarkable ingenuity, developing clean technologies that promise to protect our orbital environment for future generations.

This isn’t merely an engineering problem—it’s an environmental imperative that will determine whether humanity can continue exploring the cosmos safely. From pioneering net-capture missions to revolutionary magnetic tether systems, scientists and engineers worldwide are creating solutions that could transform Earth’s cluttered orbital highways into sustainable pathways for space exploration.

The Magnitude of Our Orbital Pollution Problem

The numbers surrounding space debris paint a sobering picture of humanity’s impact on the space environment. 54,000 space objects greater than 10 cm (including approx. 9,300 active payloads), 1.2 million space debris objects from greater than 1 cm to 10 cm, 140 million space debris objects from greater than 1 mm to 1 cm currently orbit our planet, creating what experts describe as the most challenging environmental crisis beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

The scale becomes even more alarming when considering the speeds involved. In low Earth orbit (below 2,000 km), orbital debris circles the Earth at speeds of about 7 to 8 km/s. However, the average impact speed of orbital debris with another space object is approximately 10 km/s, and can be up to about 15 km/s, which is more than 10 times the speed of a bullet. At these velocities, even paint flecks can damage spacecraft, whilst larger fragments pose catastrophic collision risks.

Recent incidents demonstrate the real-world consequences of this orbital pollution. The 2007 ******** antisatellite weapon test and the 2009 satellite collision, occurred at 800 to 900 kilometres (500 to 560 mi) altitude, creating thousands of trackable fragments that continue to threaten active missions. The 2021 Russian anti-satellite (ASAT) test wasn’t just a headline—it was a major disruption to the global space industry. By deliberately destroying a defunct satellite, the test generated over 1,500 trackable debris pieces, adding to an already dangerous environment.

The debris population continues growing at an alarming rate. From 2011 to 2021, the number of large debris objects (those over 10 cm) grew from 15,000 to 30,000, whilst there was an increase in large debris objects from about 15,000 prior to 2011 to about 30,000 by the end of 2021. Without intervention, this trend threatens to reach what scientists call Kessler Syndrome—a cascade effect where collisions create more debris, leading to more collisions, potentially making certain orbital regions unusable.

Pioneering Cleanup Technologies: From Nets to Harpoons

The space industry’s response to this crisis has been nothing short of ingenious, with the RemoveDEBRIS mission leading the charge in demonstrating practical cleanup technologies. The RemoveDebris mission has been the world’s first Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission to successfully demonstrate, in orbit, some cost effective technologies, including net and harpoon capture; and elements of the whole sequence of operations, like the vision-based navigation.

Launched in 2018, the RemoveDEBRIS mission proved that space cleanup

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but achievable reality. On 16 September 2018, it demonstrated its ability to use a net to capture a deployed simulated target, marking the first successful demonstration of net capture technology in space. The test, which was carried out this week, is widely believed to be the first successful demonstration of space cleanup technology, according to experts who witnessed this historic achievement.

The mission’s comprehensive approach tested multiple cleanup technologies sequentially. On 8 February 2019, SSTL demonstrated the RemoveDEBRIS harpoon which was fired at a speed of 20 metres per second penetrating a simulated target extended from the satellite on a 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) *****. This demonstration proved that harpoon technology could effectively capture larger debris objects, providing a viable solution for removing substantial pieces of space junk.

The project’s vision-based navigation system represents another technological breakthrough. The RemoveDEBRIS mission was launched in 2018 and successfully performed 4 active space debris removal technology demonstrations: Net capture, Vision based navigation system using 2D and 3D LiDAR, harpoon deployment and drag sail deployment. This navigation capability enables cleanup spacecraft to autonomously identify, approach, and capture debris objects—essential for cost-effective removal operations.

Japan’s Revolutionary Magnetic Tether Systems

Japan has emerged as a global leader in space debris removal through its development of electrodynamic tether technology. This “space debris prevention device” is the world’s first device using a carbon nanotube (CNT) cathode and an electrodynamic tether (EDT), representing a quantum leap in sustainable space technology.

The Japanese approach focuses on prevention as much as removal. The device is mounted onto a satellite prior to its launch. After completion of the mission, a long tether is extended into space to change the orbit of the satellite induced by the Earth’s magnetic field. By lowering the orbits of satellites within a short ******* of time, they will reenter the Earth’s atmosphere and burn up. This technology offers particular promise for smaller satellites that might otherwise lack sufficient propulsion for controlled deorbiting.

JAXA’s Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiments (KITE) programme has tested these concepts in real space conditions. The Japanese space agency will soon be testing a new technology that would use a roughly half-mile-long tether to grab large pieces of space debris and dispose of them. The tether will be able to change its position relative to the Kounotori craft by the use of force that’s generated by an electric current and the Earth’s magnetic field.

The elegance of this approach lies in its use of natural forces. They include an “electrodynamic tether” that would slow down debris enough to make it re-enter the atmosphere, providing a low-energy solution to orbital cleanup. Because of its compact nature, it can be mounted onto nanosatellites and microsatellites which are expected to increase in the number of launches in the future. In addition, because it is lightweight, it may be introduced at relatively low cost.

Sustainable Satellite Design: Prevention Through Innovation

The most effective approach to space debris mitigation involves preventing its creation in the first place through sustainable satellite design. Modern spacecraft increasingly incorporate end-of-life planning from their initial design phases, representing a fundamental shift toward responsible space exploration.

Self-deorbiting technology has become a standard feature in next-generation satellites. The ADE mission is slated to launch in 2025. The ADE technology was licensed to Vestigo Aerospace which is commercializing it with their Spinnaker series of drag sails, demonstrating how academic research translates into commercial solutions. These drag sails increase the satellite’s surface area, enhancing atmospheric drag. This technology is particularly suitable for small satellites and CubeSats.

Commercial satellite operators are leading by example in sustainable design practices. All Starlink satellites are designed to fall into Earth’s atmosphere on their own in under five years from the time they are deployed due to the effects of atmospheric drag. They are also engineered to be “fully demisable by design,” SpaceX’s statement adds, meaning they burn up entirely as they deorbit. This approach ensures that even failed satellites won’t contribute to long-term orbital pollution.

Innovation in deorbiting technology continues advancing rapidly. The solution, known as the Lithium-ion Battery Deorbiter, will utilize the battery already on board the spacecraft to reduce debris by igniting the battery into thermal runaway to generate thrust for deorbit. This ingenious approach by The Aerospace Corporation represents “the first zero-added-mass on board spacecraft technology capable of reducing orbital debris”.

The industry is also developing standardised interfaces to facilitate future removal missions. In 2019, OneWeb signed a partnership with Altius Space Machines (acquired by Voyager Space in 2020) to include a grappling fixture on all their future launched satellites to make space more sustainable. In total, over 500 DogTags have already been launched to space, creating a fleet of satellites designed for eventual removal.

International Cooperation: Building a Sustainable Space Framework

The global nature of the space debris challenge demands unprecedented international cooperation, and the space community is responding through collaborative frameworks that transcend national boundaries. Multiple organisations and initiatives are working together to establish sustainable practices for all spacefaring nations.

The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) serves as the primary forum for international cooperation on debris mitigation. IADC is internationally recognised as a space debris centre of competence and influences space debris mitigation activities at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space − Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (UNCOPUOS–STSC). This organisation brings together 13 space agencies worldwide to develop common approaches to debris mitigation.

ESA has taken a leadership role in promoting sustainable space practices through its Zero Debris initiative. ESA facilitated the preparation of the Zero Debris Charter, which aims to achieve debris-neutral operations by 2030. Although with the participation of more than 100 organisations and 12 countries, ESA’s ‘Zero Debris Charter’ introduced in 2023 aims at being debris neutral concerning operations by 2030.

The space industry itself is driving change through voluntary initiatives. During the World Economy Forum held in October 2021, industry actors, including Thales Alenia Space, have come together to voice their position on the topic through the Space Industry Debris Statement whose goal is to encourage the entire community to minimize and prevent, where possible, any new debris created.

Emerging space nations are increasingly joining these cooperative efforts. More recently, there has been an increase in emerging space nations stating their commitment to join the COPUOS Long-term Sustainability (LTS) 2.0 Working Group, as well as nations who have opted to join as signatories to initiatives such as “Net Zero Space”. This broad participation ensures that sustainability principles guide space development globally rather than remaining limited to established space powers.

Data sharing represents another crucial aspect of international cooperation. For example, the Space Data Association (SDA) formed in 2009 is a non-governmental entity. It currently consists of 21 global satellite operators and 4 executive members: Eutelsat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, and SES. SDA is a non-profit platform, aiming to avoid radio interference and space collisions through pooling data from operators independently.

The Path Forward: Technology Meets Responsibility

The fight against space debris represents more than a technical challenge—it’s a test of humanity’s ability to manage shared resources responsibly. The technologies being developed today, from robotic cleanup missions to self-deorbiting satellites, demonstrate that sustainable space exploration isn’t just possible but economically viable.

ESA’s upcoming ClearSpace-1 mission exemplifies this new generation of cleanup technology. ESA’s ClearSpace-1 mission will be the first mission demonstrating the removal of a satellite from orbit after its end-of-life. It will rendezvous with, capture and remove ESA’s uncooperative 95 kg Proba-1 satellite from its valuable low-Earth orbit. This mission will prove that even uncooperative debris can be safely removed from orbit using current technology.

The economic potential of space cleanup continues growing. The overall valuation of the global space debris removal market in 2023 is US$0.07 billion and will rise to US$0.4 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 40.8%, driven by increasing awareness of space sustainability needs. The Space Debris Removal Market is projected to grow by USD 1,779.94 million at a CAGR of 30.10% by 2030.

However, significant challenges remain. The adoption of space debris mitigation measures is slowly improving, but it is still not enough to stop the increase of the amount of space debris. Without further change, the collective behaviour of space-faring entities (private companies and national agencies) is unsustainable in the long term.

The solution requires continued innovation combined with stronger regulatory frameworks. The growing recognition of space sustainability is prompting regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, to propose stricter debris mitigation guidelines and incentivize compliance.

Conclusion: Securing Space for Future Generations

The space debris crisis has catalysed an extraordinary wave of innovation that’s transforming how humanity approaches space exploration. From the successful net captures of RemoveDEBRIS to Japan’s pioneering magnetic tether systems, clean space technology is proving that we can reverse decades of orbital pollution whilst continuing to expand our presence beyond Earth.

The path to sustainable space operations combines technological innovation with international cooperation and responsible design practices. Self-deorbiting satellites, standardised removal interfaces, and active debris removal missions represent just the beginning of a comprehensive approach to orbital environmental protection.

Most encouragingly, the global space community has recognised that sustainable practices aren’t constraints on space development—they’re enablers of humanity’s long-term space future. By treating Earth’s orbital environment as the precious shared resource it truly is, we’re ensuring that future generations will inherit clear pathways to the stars rather than a minefield of debris.

The technologies being demonstrated today will become tomorrow’s standard practices, creating a space industry that’s both ambitious and responsible. Through continued innovation and cooperation, we’re not just cleaning up space—we’re establishing the foundation for centuries of sustainable space exploration that will benefit all humanity.

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