Space debris refers to the remnants of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or explosions in orbit around the Earth. This debris poses a risk to operational spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS), as even small pieces can cause significant damage due to their high speeds.
The accumulation of space debris has become a growing concern for space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Efforts are underway to track and manage this debris, including developing technologies to remove it and implementing guidelines for responsible satellite disposal to ensure the long-term sustainability of space activities.