Space exploration has captured the world’s imagination for decades, but humanity’s enthusiasm for the stars has left a troubling legacy: Earth’s orbit is now cluttered with thousands of pieces of space debris.
From defunct satellites to shattered rocket parts, this “space junk” is not only a barrier to future missions but also a growing risk to global infrastructure. Now, innovative ideas like wooden satellites and international cleanup efforts are leading the charge toward a sustainable space frontier.
The growing threat of space debris: Why cleaning up the cosmos matters
Imagine a crowded highway where no one clears the wreckage from accidents or abandoned vehicles. Now shift that image to outer space. That’s the challenge we face with space debris — fragments of defunct satellites, discarded rocket parts, and other human-made junk left orbiting Earth. Once forgotten relics of past missions, these items now pose a significant risk to operational spacecraft and future space endeavours.
Over the years, as space exploration and satellite launches have surged, so has the accumulation of orbital debris. Each satellite sent into orbit — from those providing internet and GPS services to those monitoring the weather — leaves behind a footprint. Unfortunately, many missions lack robust plans to safely deorbit or dispose of spent spacecraft, turning them into permanent fixtures in Earth’s orbit.
The rapid pace of technological advancements and the growing commercialisation of space mean this problem is only getting worse.
A growing orbital landfill
Earth’s orbit is home to more than 36,000 objects (larger than 10 centimetres), with potentially hundreds of millions of smaller fragments lurking undetected. The European Space Agency (ESA) warns that this growing debris cloud could trigger catastrophic chain reactions, also known as the Kessler Syndrome, making low-Earth orbit unusable for centuries.
The Kessler Syndrome, proposed by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978, describes a theoretical scenario where the density of space debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) reaches a critical tipping point. At this stage, collisions between objects—such as satellites or fragments of debris—could create a cascade effect.
SpaceX, operating its vast Starlink satellite constellation, reported nearly 50,000 collision-avoidance manoeuvres in 2023 alone, evidence of the growing urgency of the issue.
“Humanity’s orbital behaviour is becoming unsustainable,” warns Mars Buttfield-Addison, a space researcher at the University of Tasmania. “The rapid increase in satellites, especially at low altitudes, raises the stakes for effective debris management.”
Ray Fielding, the UK Space Agency’s Head of Space Sustainability, discussed concerns around space debris with ITN Business as part of our 2023 programme, Space: Advancing the Future, while sharing the UK’s plans to build sustainability into the first national space debris removal mission in 2026.
“This is a really exciting, first-of-its kind mission,” Ray explains to Maggie Aderin-Pocock in the interview. “We’re essentially going to send a satellite into orbit which has the ability to grab hold of another satellite – a defunct, dead satellite – and remove that satellite completely from orbit… removing the risks that it poses to other satellites and other operations in space. And then we’re going to do the whole thing again; so this is something that’s repeatable and sustainable.”
Innovation from the ground up: Wooden satellites
While efforts like these target existing debris, the focus on prevention is equally critical. Enter the WISA Woodsat, the world’s first wooden satellite. This groundbreaking innovation offers a proactive solution by reimagining the materials used in satellite design. By replacing conventional alloys with plywood, the Woodsat demonstrates how sustainable, biodegradable components can help reduce future debris in space, complementing removal missions like the UK’s.
The WISA Woodsat aims to prove that sustainable materials can replace the resource-intensive alloys traditionally used in space missions, with the potential to significantly reduce long-term clutter in orbit.
The Woodsat’s developers believe that such innovative materials can inspire a shift in how satellites are designed, focusing not just on performance but also on their environmental footprint.
“If we can move away from materials that linger in space for centuries, we can solve the debris problem at its root,” said a spokesperson for the project.
The fight for a cleaner orbit
Organisations worldwide are stepping up to tackle the debris already in orbit. ESA’s Zero Debris Charter encourages member states to adopt policies that mandate satellite deorbiting within five years of completing their missions. ESA is also exploring active cleanup technologies, such as deploying nets and robotic arms to retrieve larger debris.
NASA is developing tethered harpoons and magnetic retrieval systems, which promise to capture defunct satellites at a fraction of the cost of current methods. These technologies represent a shift from passive avoidance to proactive cleanup, a key strategy in preventing future collisions.
Collaboration is key
As ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher highlights, “Space is a shared resource. Our ability to work together on sustainable solutions will determine whether we continue to benefit from its potential.” ESA is even in talks with SpaceX to discuss collision avoidance protocols and better coordination for shared orbital spaces.
The private sector is also joining the effort. Startups and space agencies alike are testing on-orbit servicing technologies, which can repair, refuel, or remove defunct satellites, extending their lifespans and reducing waste.
Why does removing space debris matter?
Beyond preserving orbital space for future exploration, tackling space debris has direct implications for life on Earth. Satellites are critical for communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and climate monitoring. A cluttered orbit jeopardises these essential services, with far-reaching consequences for industries and daily life.
As innovative technologies like wooden satellites and advanced debris capture take centre stage, humanity is proving that it can balance exploration with responsibility. With the combined efforts of governments, private companies, and researchers, the dream of a sustainable space future is within reach.
By addressing this issue now, we ensure that future generations can continue to reach for the stars without being weighed down by the debris of the past.
Announcing ‘The Future of Space: Unlocking Possibilities’
We are living in an extraordinary era of space innovation, with the horizon of human exploration expanding faster than ever before. Advances in technology like AI and robotics, along with unprecedented international collaboration, are reshaping the space sector and opening new avenues for both scientific discovery and commercial growth.
Businesses across industries are now tapping into this new frontier, and to shed light on these exciting developments, ITN Business is launching a new space programme for 2025, ‘The Future of Space: Unlocking Possibilities’, set to premiere at the UK Space Conference on 16-17 July.
