Space debris isn’t a faraway problem, and it demands urgent collective action

Outer space has always been a source of inspiration and opportunity. The Artemis II mission, which returned to Earth on April 10, has set humans farther from Earth than ever before. The historic lunar flyby shows what humanity can achieve when nations and industries come together to push boundaries.

After nearly 70 years of satellite launches and 65 years since the first human spaceflight, space has become integral to modern life. Sending up spacecraft has become a frequent occurrence but ensuring responsible end-of-life management has not kept pace.

Over 13,000 active satellites launched by nearly 100 countries now circle the planet, with more than 2,200 new satellites added in just the past 15 months.

These satellites provide essential services – connecting billions of people who lack regular access to the internet, enabling navigation and mapping, and supporting critical Earth observation.

Yet their rapid growth comes with risks that demand urgent attention.

Space debris – ranging from fragments of non-operational satellites to spent rocket stages such as discarded fuel tanks – poses a growing threat.

Researchers estimate approximately 1.2 million debris fragments between 1cm and 10cm are orbiting Earth, objects too small to be tracked, yet large enough to cause catastrophic damage to any spacecraft they strike. Even paint flakes as small as 1mm could cause significant damage when travelling at orbital speed.

Recent incidents have illustrated the tangible and growing consequences of orbital congestion. Earlier in 2026, a Spanish communications satellite was declared non-recoverable after a debris impact. An uncrewed Chinese return capsule landed with cracks in its viewport, likely caused by debris. And the US aviation authorities have warned airlines of risks from falling launch and re-entry debris.

Beyond these high-profile cases, satellite operators execute tens of thousands of orbital collision avoidance manoeuvres each month to maintain safe orbital separations.

The probability of collisions is increasing, and inaction could impose a hidden tax on the space economy – potentially costing as much as US$42 billion (S$53.7 billion) by 2035, according to estimates.

The invisible radio spectrum environment, essential for the satellites to transmit signals and communicate, is getting more crowded too, raising the risk of harmful interference that could result in mounting challenges in orbit.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) established the first global framework to regulate satellite orbits over 60 years ago. Since then, much has changed. The space economy has mushroomed, now projected to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035, making international collaboration the cornerstone of space sustainability.

The risks associated with space congestion transcend national borders. Debris from one operator’s actions can affect the operations of others, regardless of geographic location.

This is why international spectrum coordination prevents harmful radio interference and helps make all space missions operationally viable.

Transparency, predictability and trusted mechanisms for cooperation have never been more important to navigate global challenges.

Governments were the first to venture into space, and they remain the formal interface enabling multilateral agencies like ITU to ensure the orderly, fair and sustainable use of space. If satellite constellations are to continue growing, governments all around the world need to embrace approaches designed for long-term sustainability.

Commercial operators, which now account for most space activity, must stay equally committed to responsible deployment. Sustainability must be prioritised from the outset. Space systems must be designed, launched and operated with long-term viability in mind, including clear deorbiting plans for satellites at the end of their service lives.

Just as importantly, space agencies and private companies alike need to share their satellite-manoeuvre data more openly and work to develop effective space traffic management frameworks.

Artemis II is just the latest example to capture the magnitude of the possibilities for humanity in space.

Today, we must redouble efforts to preserve the shared domain of space for all.

The United Nations, including specialised agencies like ITU, exists to reinforce practical norms, build trust and support global coordination that benefits everyone.

Through the management of the radio-frequency spectrum, ITU works to safeguard the world’s digital lifelines and helps keep space use viable for all countries.

By acting collectively to ensure the sustainability of space, we can preserve its vast potential for exploration, for investment, and for the strengthening of critical services that underpin life on Earth.