What is it about?
This paper warns that while outer space may be infinite, the orbits around Earth that satellites use are limited, and they’re filling up fast. These orbits are shared by all countries but owned by none, making them hard to manage fairly and sustainably. Using a probability-based model, the study projects that the number of objects in orbit is on track to pass a dangerous “critical density” within years, increasing the risk of collisions and making space use far more hazardous. The research also estimates the costs of removing debris and argues that technology alone cannot solve the problem.
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Photo by Kai Dahms on Unsplash
Why is it important?
If Earth’s orbits become too crowded with debris, it will threaten everything from communications and weather forecasting to navigation systems we rely on daily. Without urgent action, including removing debris and rewriting outdated international space laws, we risk making parts of space unusable for generations. This is a global problem that requires coordinated global solutions.
Perspectives
Space may feel far away, but its safety affects life here on Earth every day. As someone passionate about sustainable futures, I believe we must treat orbital space like the precious shared resource it is. This means combining smart technology with strong, fair international rules to ensure we don’t lose access to it forever.
Dr Krish Saha
Birmingham City University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The cost of (Un)regulation: Shrinking Earth's orbits and the need for sustainable space governance, Journal of Environmental Management, January 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119382.
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