Right now, millions of objects are flying through space. They’re whizzing around at more than 17,000 miles per hour. Some are powerful enough to take out an entire spacecraft. 

What is all this stuff zipping around Earth? It’s trash. And it could cause big problems. 

Right now, millions of objects are flying through space. They’re moving at more than 17,000 miles per hour. Some are powerful enough to take out an entire rocket. 

What is all this stuff flying around Earth? It’s trash. And it could cause big problems. 

Humans have been fascinated by space for centuries. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that exploring space became a reality. In 1957, a country called the Soviet Union sent the first human-made satellite to circle Earth. The U.S. blasted its own satellite into space a few months later. And in 1961, the Soviets launched the first astronaut into space. 

Since then, scientists have sent thousands of satellites to circle Earth. Last year alone, space agencies and private companies launched more than 2,800 satellites. That’s more than in any other year. 

Satellites help us learn about our planet and the universe beyond. Some take photos of our solar system. Others monitor the weather. 

Satellites don’t stay in use forever. Over time, some of them burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. Others break apart and fall back to our planet. Small pieces usually land in the ocean. But some satellites or parts could stay in space for centuries. The pieces that remain become space junk. 

Old satellites aren’t the only objects that become space waste. Sometimes astronauts leave tools in space by mistake. Rocket parts or screws can be left behind too. 

NASA, the U.S. space agency, estimates that more than 100 million pieces of space junk are circling Earth. Some are as tiny as a fleck of paint. Others are as big as a school bus.

“Things can get really crowded,” explains Charity Weeden. She works at NASA. 

Humans have been interested in space for hundreds of years. But exploring space only began in the 1950s. In 1957, a country called the Soviet Union sent the first satellite made by humans into space. The satellite circled Earth. The U.S. blasted its own satellite into space a few months later. In 1961, the Soviets sent the first astronaut into space. 

Since then, scientists have sent thousands of satellites to circle Earth. Last year, more than 2,800 satellites were launched into space. That’s more than in any other year. 

Satellites help us learn about our planet and the universe. Some take photos of our solar system. Others track the weather. 

Satellites, however, don’t stay in use forever. Over time, some burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. Others break apart and fall back to Earth. Small pieces usually land in the ocean. But some satellites or parts could stay in space for hundreds of years. Those pieces become space junk.

Old satellites are not the only objects that become space trash. Astronauts can leave tools in space by mistake. Rocket parts or screws can be left behind too. 

NASA is the U.S. space agency. NASA estimates that more than 100 million pieces of junk are circling Earth. Some are as tiny as a spot of paint. Others are as big as a school bus.

“Things can get really crowded,” says Charity Weeden. She works at NASA.

Thankfully, NASA is working on tackling the problem of space waste. One way is by tracking trash as it travels around Earth. If a piece could hit a satellite, scientists can usually move the satellite out of harm’s way. About once a year, astronauts must move the ISS to dodge trash.  

Private companies are trying to help too. Some are working to get rid of space junk. Weeden calls these companies “trash haulers in space.” Some are making giant robotic arms that can collect trash. The arms would pull the objects toward Earth. The waste would burn up in the atmosphere without causing harm below. 

Weeden says future space missions could be at risk if we don’t act now.

“It’s really important that we get a handle on the amount of space junk up there,” she explains. “If not, it’s going to affect our ability to explore.” 

NASA is trying to fix the problem of space waste. One way is by tracking trash as it moves around Earth. If a piece could hit a satellite, scientists can usually move the satellite away. About once a year, astronauts have to move the ISS to avoid trash. 

Companies are trying to help too. Some are working to get rid of space junk. Weeden calls these companies “trash haulers in space.” Some are making huge robotic arms. The arms could pull the objects toward Earth. The waste would burn up in the atmosphere without causing problems on Earth. 

Weeden says future space missions could be at risk if we don’t act now.

“It’s really important that we get a handle on the amount of space junk up there,” she explains. “If not, it’s going to affect our ability to explore.”