Nearly half the objects orbiting Earth are ‘uncontrollable’ space junk — and jeopardize future space travel
A recent study reveals that nearly half of the objects orbiting Earth are uncontrollable space junk, posing significant risks to future space travel. The report indicates that 15,587 of the 33,269 tracked objects are discarded debris, with the issue primarily driven by three countries: China, the United States, and Russia. Experts warn that the increasing amount of space debris could lead to catastrophic collisions, jeopardizing humanity's ability to operate in space.
- ▪Nearly half of the tracked objects in Earth's orbit are classified as uncontrollable space junk.
- ▪The study found that 15,587 out of 33,269 objects are discarded debris from space launches.
- ▪The problem is largely fueled by three countries: China, the United States, and Russia.
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World News Nearly half the objects orbiting Earth are ‘uncontrollable’ space junk — and jeopardize future space travel By Alex Oliveira Published May 17, 2026, 11:50 a.m. ET Nearly half the manmade objects orbiting Earth are chunks of “uncontrollable” space junk — with just three countries fueling the problem and endangering future space travel, a shocking new study found. At least 15,587 of the 33,269 tracked objects circling the planet are discarded debris from space launches — meaning a whopping 47% of the stuff hurtling around the planet is potentially hazardous junk, according to a May report from the engineering supply company Accu.
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