Space missions have greatly expanded our knowledge about Earth and the Universe, and our modern society has become dependent on satellites in space.

But there is a problem: we brought our littering habit into space. Earth orbit is becoming polluted by human-made objects (known as space debris) of all sizes, from entire defunct satellites and rocket stages to tiny, shattered fragments and droplets.

We can’t undo the past, but we can clean up our act in space for future generations.

ESA’s Space Safety programme works to prevent the chain reaction that could let the space debris problem spiral out of control and develops technologies for safer, more sustainable satellites. 

Learn more about space debris and space sustainability at ESA.

Watch all Space safety hazards videos.