When the atmosphere isn't enough

Our atmosphere has made life on Earth possible, protecting the inhabitants of the Pale Blue Dot from hazards in space. If we could ask the dinosaurs however, they'd say it's not to be relied on. Earth's thin veil keeps us safe from small asteroids, the Sun's UV rays and helps to clear up space debris in low-Earth orbit. But every now and then a bigger asteroid will strike, a huge solar storm will erupt, or a satellite will make it through its fiery return. ESA's Space Safety programme is working to protect us when this happens. ESA is there when the atmosphere isn't enough.