Orbital space debris

Space debris and their cascading effects represent one of the greatest challenges for the long-term sustainability of space activities. Space debris principally comprises the space objects that have reached their end of life, various launch stages, and the remnants of space objects from explosions, conjunctions, or deliberate destruction, but also includes other items that are deliberately or accidentally released during a space mission. Although the volume of space debris orbiting the Earth has for long given rise to significant concern and debate at the international level, there is as yet no universally accepted or legally binding definition of orbital space debris. The importance of developing appropriate practices with respect to orbital space debris has recently been further emphasized by the adoption within UNCOPUOS of the Preamble and 21 Guidelines for the Long-Term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.