"Close Call: Russian Spacecraft Nearly Collides with US Satellite, NASA 'Really Scared'"

A Russian satellite and a US satellite narrowly avoided a collision in late February, passing within 10 meters of each other, prompting concern from NASA about the growing issue of space traffic as the number of satellites in Earth's orbit continues to increase. With over 10,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth and an estimated 400,000 more approved for launch into low Earth orbit, the risk of collisions and space debris is a significant concern. NASA has launched a Space Sustainability Strategy to better monitor and manage satellites and debris in Earth's orbit, while private companies are developing technology to remove defunct satellites from space.