space debris

Experts, including former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe, say people are currently more likely to be struck by lightning than by falling space debris, but those odds are shifting as more objects reenter the atmosphere. They argue governments and companies should be required to use materials that fully burn up on reentry, part of a growing push for space environmentalism as launches and satellites multiply.

A retired US spy satellite has reportedly broken apart or exploded in orbit above Earth, according to a report circulating widely on social media. Details remain sparse, and US space authorities have not yet confirmed the incident or explained what caused the spacecraft to break up. Observers are watching for official statements on whether the event created orbital debris.

The Council of the European Union has moved to strengthen the EU's architecture for responding to threats in space. The step is part of broader European efforts to protect satellites and space infrastructure that underpin communications, navigation and security. The announcement comes as concerns grow over anti-satellite weapons, space debris and the vulnerability of critical orbital assets.

An American spy satellite dating from the Cold War era has broken apart or exploded in orbit above Earth, and the cause remains unknown. The incident raises questions about growing amounts of space debris and the reliability of aging military hardware still circling the planet decades after launch. Experts are watching for possible collision risks to other satellites.

An American Cold War-era reconnaissance satellite, nicknamed after actress Farrah Fawcett, has broken apart in orbit. The fragmentation adds to the growing cloud of space debris in Earth orbit, a concern for active satellites and the International Space Station. Observers are discussing the fate of decades-old military hardware still circling the planet and what its breakup means for orbital safety.

Scientists have identified a new impact crater on the Moon roughly 728 feet wide, prompting discussion about what such impacts mean for planned lunar bases. Observers are weighing the risks large impacts pose to future habitats and the insight the fresh crater offers into how often the Moon is struck by space debris.

The US Federal Communications Commission has voted to exclude space activities from reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, removing a procedural hurdle for companies seeking licenses for satellite and other space-related operations. The move is expected to speed up approvals for the fast-growing satellite industry, though environmental advocates have long argued space debris and other impacts deserve formal review.

A declassified Cold War-era US spy satellite has fragmented in orbit, creating a debris field in space. The satellite, reportedly nicknamed after actress Farrah Fawcett, broke apart decades after its original mission. Space watchers are discussing the incident and what it means for the growing orbital debris problem around Earth.

NASA reports that the James Webb Space Telescope has delivered new observations of massive planetary collisions, described as planet-shattering impacts. The findings, published by NASA's science mission directorate, offer insight into how such violent events shape planetary systems. Interest centres on what Webb's infrared instruments reveal about debris and atmospheric effects following giant impacts.

Astronomy observers are highlighting W63, a supernova remnant in the Cygnus constellation. The vast shell of expanding debris comes from a stellar explosion roughly 15,000 years ago and spans more than 150 light-years. The nebular structure is mostly visible through narrow-band imaging, which captures light from specific elements in the glowing gas.

The European Union is broadening its approach to threats in space, stepping up measures to protect member states from growing risks to satellites and space-based infrastructure. The move comes as concerns rise over debris, cyber attacks and hostile interference affecting services that depend on space assets. Details of the expanded response remain limited in early reporting.

A spent stage from a SpaceX rocket is on a collision course with the moon and expected to impact its far side in the coming days. The object has been drifting through space for years and cannot be steered. Scientists say the crash should throw up a plume of debris that telescopes may be able to observe, offering a rare chance to study the lunar subsurface.

The European Space Agency has published a guide explaining its Zero Debris Charter, an initiative aimed at tackling the growing problem of space junk in Earth's orbit. The charter outlines commitments for space actors to minimise debris creation and support debris mitigation practices. As satellite launches multiply, the ESA's effort to rally international signatories around cleaner orbital operations is drawing attention across the space sector.

NASA has announced the award of a contract for Orbital Safety Analysis Support Services, covering work to assess and help prevent hazards from objects and debris in orbit around Earth. The announcement was released through NASA's official newsroom, and reaction so far has been limited to modest sharing of the release within space and science communities. Details on the contractor, contract value and duration are not specified in the available information.

Signatories of the Artemis Accords are set to meet to address how to manage debris on the Moon and how established space powers can assist countries with emerging space programs. The talks reflect growing operational activity around lunar missions and the need for shared norms as more nations participate in NASA-led exploration efforts.