Crisis Management Days

Space Debris – The Silent Environmental Challenge

Dajana Jelčić Dubček

University of Applied Sciences Velika Gorica

Keywords: artificial satellites, Kessler syndrome, space-debris mitigation, satellite end-of-life disposal, orbital environment

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Abstract

The increasing reliance on satellite-based technologies for communication, navigation, and Earth observation has led to an unprecedented growth in the number of artificial satellites, particularly in low Earth orbit. Alongside their benefits, this expansion has resulted in a growing accumulation of inactive satellites and orbital debris, raising serious environmental and safety concerns. This review examines the ecological implications of the space debris problem, with particular emphasis on the risks posed by uncontrolled fragmentation, long-term orbital persistence, and cascading collision scenarios such as the Kessler syndrome. Existing and emerging mitigation measures are discussed, including active debris removal technologies and satellite end-of-life protocols. The paper highlights the urgent need to recognize near-Earth space as a vulnerable environmental domain, requiring global coordination and sustained technical innovation to ensure its long-term usability and safety.

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