The proliferation of space junk, consisting of discarded satellites, rocket fragments, and other debris, poses a growing threat to the functionality and safety of our satellites and spacecraft. As the number of objects in low-Earth orbit continues to escalate, the risk of collisions and subsequent debris generation increases exponentially. This "space junk epidemic" jeopardizes the continuity of essential services such as satellite communications, navigation, and weather forecasting. Cleaning up this mess is imperative to prevent catastrophic consequences, but it remains a complex and costly challenge. Innovations in satellite design, active debris removal systems, and international collaborations are crucial to address this pressing issue and safeguard the future of space exploration and technological advancements.
