Space Debris Archives

“A Potential Minefield” in Earth’s Orbit Has Scientists Sounding the Alarm Over Hidden Objects Threatening Critical Satellites

Micah Hanks·July 9, 2026

Scientists have uncovered dozens of previously undetected fragments of space debris, revealing a “potential minefield” in orbit.

Violent Space Weather Can Send Orbital Space Junk Careening Toward Earth, Endangering Launch Missions

Ryan Whalen·May 7, 2026

Volatile solar activity increases the amount of space debris falling to Earth, creating challenging-to-predict hazards for space launches.

Tracking Debris & Weapons of Mass Destruction: U.S. Naval Research Lab Just Launched Three ‘Advanced Experimental Payloads’ into Space

Christopher Plain·April 9, 2026

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory launched three advanced experimental payloads to aid GPS, track space debris and spot nuclear explosions

tracking objects entering Earth's atmosphere

Los Alamos Scientists Use Sonic Booms and Seismic Data to Track Objects Entering Earth’s Atmosphere

Christopher Plain·January 23, 2026

Los Alamos scientists have developed a novel method using shockwaves from sonic booms to track objects entering Earth's atmosphere.

Soviet-Era Kosmos 482 Space Probe Will Fall to Earth This Week—But Will It Burn Up During Re-Entry?

MJ Banias·May 9, 2025

A Soviet space probe, stranded in Earth’s orbit for 53 years, is set to re-enter the atmosphere this week. And it may not burn up on re-entry.

The Kessler Syndrome: Crisis in Space Intensifies as Thousands of Satellites Crowd Earth Orbit

Micah Hanks·May 8, 2025

This week we look at the "Kessler Syndrome," and how a chain reaction of orbital collisions could jeopardize infrastructure in space.

Infrasound Technology Proves Critical for Planetary Defense Against Threats from Outer Space

Christopher Plain·May 3, 2025

A Sandia National Laboratories scientist has demonstrated how infrasound technology can improve planetary defense against threats from space.

U.S. Space Force Tracking Debris After “Anomaly” Leads to Unexplained Satellite Loss

Micah Hanks·October 24, 2024

This week, we examine what U.S. Space Force officials and others have said about a Boeing-built satellite that recently exploded due to an "anomaly."

NASA Officially Confirms Mysterious Object Recovered in NC Mountains is SpaceX Debris

Micah Hanks·July 2, 2024

NASA has officially confirmed that a mysterious object found on a remote North Carolina trail is SpaceX debris that once belonged to one of the American spacecraft company's Dragon capsules.

How Concerned Should We Be About Falling Space Debris?

Micah Hanks·May 30, 2024

This week, we examine recent events that are causing heightened concerns about the potential threats associated with falling space debris.

A Mysterious Object Discovered in the North Carolina Mountains Likely Fell from Space. Here’s What We Think It Is.

Micah Hanks·May 24, 2024

A strange-looking object recently discovered in the mountains of Western North Carolina by an area maintenance worker is believed to be debris that fell from space earlier this week.

Mystery Object That Crashed Through Roof of Florida Home Prompts NASA Investigation

Micah Hanks·April 2, 2024

An object that tore through the roof of a family home near Naples, Florida, last month is currently being investigated by NASA to determine its origins.

Japanese Startup Testing Ground-Based Fusion Laser in Pioneering Effort to Combat Space Debris and Orbital Threats

Tim McMillan·January 18, 2024

A Japanese start-up is planning to test a ground-based fusion laser to combat the growing threat of space debris.

U.S. Cracks Down on Major Satellite TV Provider in First-of-a-Kind Space Debris Enforcement Action

Micah Hanks·October 4, 2023

The FCC has fined Dish Network $150,000 for failing to deorbit its EchoStar-7 satellite properly, resulting in a landmark move in the protection against potentially hazardous space debris.

The Intel Community Looks to Improve Its Ability To Spy Objects in Space

Tim McMillan·August 22, 2022

The U.S. Intel Community wants the ability to spy objects smaller than 10cm, traveling 22,500 mph, in space.

Death by Space Junk? Concerning Report Warns That the Risk is Higher Than You Think

Christopher Plain·July 13, 2022

A new report says that there is a six to 10 percent chance space junk will seriously injure or kill someone on Earth in the next decade.

China’s Uncontrolled Long March Rocket Will Be a “Truly Spectacular,” But Reckless Show

The 100-foot, 21 Ton Spent Rocket Booster is Expected To Impact Earth This Weekend

Tim McMillan·May 8, 2021

A nearly 100-foot long, 16.5-feet wide, 21 metric ton expended rocket is currently barrelling through the Earth’s atmosphere,...

Space Debris