Satellite Tracking

There are an estimated 36,000 objects larger than 10 cm, 1 million objects between 1 cm and 10 cm, and 130 million objects between 1 mm and 1 cm in Earth orbit. The total mass of debris in orbit exceeds 9,000 metric tons. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Objects larger than 10 cm: Around 36,000, with about 30,000 cataloged and 6,000 not referenced. 

• Objects between 1 cm and 10 cm: Estimated at 1 million. 

• Objects between 1 mm and 1 cm: Estimated at 130 million. 

• Total mass: Exceeds 9,000 metric tons. 

This space debris poses a significant threat to satellites and spacecraft, especially in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where many operational satellites are located. Collisions can damage or destroy satellites, impacting various services like communication, navigation, and weather forecasting. 

Satellite debris from decommissioned spacecraft, like the International Space Station (ISS), is intentionally sent to a remote location in the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo. This area, located in the South Pacific Ocean east of New Zealand, is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, the spot farthest from any landmass. This location is chosen because it is so far from any populated areas, minimizing any potential risk to human life if debris falls into the ocean.