The Growing Threat of Unmanaged Space Junk

The increase in lunar missions and the growing number of satellites in Earth's orbit are contributing to the accumulation of space junk and debris. Currently, there are nearly 7,700 satellites in near-Earth orbit, a number that could grow to several hundred thousand by 2027. The lack of governance and regulation around space debris poses significant hazards and risks, as even tiny pieces of debris can cause damage at high speeds. The United Nations has the potential to address this issue and establish regulations to protect the orbital space environment, but national and commercial interests may prioritize over interplanetary conservation efforts unless action is taken.