Sources and proportion of space debris (IMAGE)
Caption
Primary sources of space debris include fragmentation events (65%), such as collisions, explosions from residual propellant, and spontaneous disintegration; decommissioned spacecraft and rocket bodies (30%); and mission-related objects (5%) unintentionally or deliberately released during operations. The rise in fragmentation has triggered a self-reinforcing cycle of collisions, posing escalating risks to orbital sustainability.
Credit
Yang et al., Chem Circularity
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Adaptations must be shared under the same terms.
License
CC BY-SA