Space debris poses growing threat to satellite infrastructure
Currently, millions of pieces of space debris are orbiting earth at an average speed of 22,000 miles per hour, creating an environment where, according to NASA, “a 1 centimeter paint fleck is capable of inflicting the same damage as a 550 pound object traveling 60 miles per hour on earth.” This debris poses a threat to the 1,738 satellites currently in orbit which support critical modern communication, commerce, travel and security systems.