Approximately 100 million kilograms of "space debris" consisting of satellites orbiting the Earth and no longer in use, as well as rocket parts, pose a major danger. Experts warn about the date when this huge debris will enter the Earth's atmosphere and fall to the ground.
Milli.Az reports that currently there are more than 100 million kilograms (100 thousand tons) of metal and plastic debris in orbit. These debris move at speeds of kilometers per second. Although most of them burn up when entering the atmosphere, the likelihood of large fragments reaching the ground and causing damage to residential areas is increasing.
Researchers note that due to increased solar activity and the overcrowding of orbit, uncontrolled falls of this debris to Earth will occur more frequently in the coming years, especially starting in 2026.
Debris in orbit collide with each other, creating smaller and more numerous fragments. As a result of this chain reaction, future space travel and satellite communications may become completely impossible.
World space agencies (NASA, ESA, etc.) are working on giant nets, magnets, and laser technologies to clean up this debris. However, there is currently no fully effective system to clean this millions-of-kilograms load.