Space Debris Surge Sparks Collision Avoidance and Cleanup Race, ESA Advances 'Design for Removal' Approach

A rapidly increasing surge in space debris is prompting a global race for collision avoidance and cleanup solutions. The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing a 'Design for Removal' approach, which involves equipping satellites with standardized docking mechanisms and navigation markers to facilitate their capture by cleanup spacecraft after their operational lifespan. Over 34,000 objects are currently orbiting Earth, with the number of trackable space objects reaching 46,590 by July, according to ESA.