The US-based Space Debris Foundation estimates that more than 50,000 objects larger than 10 cm and 1.2 million smaller fragments are currently orbiting Earth in Low Earth Orbit.
The accumulation of high-speed defunct satellites and rocket stages threatens future space missions, data centers, and lunar construction projects by increasing collision risks.
While the US mandated five-year deorbiting timelines in 2022 and agencies like the European Space Agency plan removal missions for 2029, international enforcement remains absent.