Space Debris and Orbital Sustainability

Space debris is the shadow cast by progress, a growing cloud of fragments, defunct satellites, and mission remnants that orbit Earth with silent velocity. As humanity expands its presence in space, the sustainability of near-Earth orbit becomes a pressing concern. Debris threatens not only operational satellites and crewed missions, but also the long-term viability of communication, navigation, and Earth observation systems.

This framework invites aerospace engineers, policy makers, environmental advocates, and interdisciplinary researchers to explore orbital sustainability as both a technical challenge and a relational imperative. It traces the historical accumulation of debris, the ethical and regulatory frameworks that shape mitigation efforts, and the collaborative strategies needed to preserve access to space. From mega-constellations to active debris removal, the guide reveals how orbital stewardship demands foresight, equity, and global coordination.

Structured across six iterative steps, the guide scaffolds foundational concepts, stakeholder engagement, and values-driven reflection. It encourages learners to consider how orbital sustainability parallels ecological care, legacy design, and disabled-led pacing, where thresholds, rhythms, and shared responsibility shape long-term resilience.

For those committed to planetary ethics and adaptive infrastructure, this resource affirms that space is not just a frontier; it is a commons, a choreography of orbiting systems, and a call to design with dignity.

Each Spiralmore download comes with a personal-use license. Please honour its creative integrity by not redistributing, republishing, or sharing content without explicit permission.