Tens of thousands of pieces of space debris threaten Earth's orbit, with experts emphasizing the need to prioritize removal of large, hazardous objects to prevent catastrophic collisions and Kessler Syndrome. Advances in cleanup technology are underway, but cost and decision-making methods are critical, highlighting the importance of fair and effective prioritization strategies for sustainable space exploration.
NanoAvionics' MP42 satellite, launched in 2022, survived a collision with a small object in orbit, highlighting the growing issue of space debris. A 0.24-inch hole was discovered in its solar panel, though it caused no significant damage. The incident underscores the need for responsible space operations and the resilience of satellites against such impacts. With millions of debris fragments orbiting Earth, space sustainability experts are increasingly concerned about potential collisions that could create more hazardous debris.
