Space debris

This artist's impression shows debris objects in orbit around Earth. Note: The debris field shown in the image is an artist's impression based on actual data. However the image does not show debris items in their actual size or density.

Space debris is defined as non-functional, man-made objects, as well as any fragments and elements from them, in Earth orbit or re-entering into the Earth’s atmosphere. It is estimated that the total number of space debris objects in Earth orbit is on the order of 20 000 - for sizes larger than 10 cm; 600 000 - for sizes larger than 1 cm; and, more than 300 million - for sizes larger than 1 mm.