As the number of objects launched into orbit grows, the EU is working to prevent debris from getting out of hand.

An upsurge in worldwide rocket and satellite launches into space means collisions are an increasing danger that EU research projects are seeking to curb.

The number of satellites in space may exceed 100,000 by 2030, according to forecasts. Small satellites are increasingly being sent into low orbits 500 to 1,000 kilometers above Earth to do everything from improve remote communications to guide driverless cars.

Collision alarm

"There is an increasing amount of debris in space," said Anthony Caron, future programs manager at a French space-observation company called Share My Space. "More and more debris implies more and more collision probability—and the problem is real now. There are lots of events where you have to perform maneuvers to avoid collisions.

There's a lot of trash on the moon right now—including nearly 100 bags of human waste—and with countries around the globe traveling to the moon, there's going to be a lot more, both on the lunar surface and in Earth's orbit.

In August 2023, Russia's Luna-25 probe crashed into the moon's surface, while India's Chandrayann-3 mission successfully landed in the southern polar region, making India the fourth country to land on the moon.

With more countries landing on the moon, people back on Earth will have to think about what happens to all the landers, waste and miscellaneous debris left on the lunar surface and in orbit.

I'm a professor of astronomy who has written a book about the future of space travel, articles about our future off-Earth, conflict in space, space congestion and the ethics of space exploration. Like many other space experts, I'm concerned about the lack of governance around space debris.

Space is getting crowded

People think of space as vast and empty, but the near-Earth environment is starting to get crowded.

Space exploration presents unique health challenges for astronauts due to lack of gravity, isolation, and radiation exposure. ESA's SciSpacE activities aim to comprehend these effects and their implications for human well-being during extended missions.

ESA collaborates with researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity and analog environments, shedding light on the consequences of space stressors. One critical concern is muscle and bone atrophy. Despite daily exercise routines, astronauts face deterioration. ESA is investigating electrical stimulation as a potential countermeasure, with tests planned on board the International Space Station.

The Muscle Stimulation experiment is a centerpiece of this research. By applying controlled electric currents to leg muscles, the study aims to enhance muscle mass, strength, and recovery. Complementary assessments, including MRI scans, microcirculation analysis, and blood samples, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy.

Addressing these challenges could yield benefits on Earth too. The insights gained could translate to better health care for diverse populations, from the elderly to clinical patients and athletes.