Space Junk Could Trigger Global Communications Crisis, Experts Warn

Modern life depends on near-instant satellite connectivity for internet, navigation, broadcasting and emergency services. But growing levels of orbital debris threaten to disrupt those systems — and experts warn the problem could accelerate unless countries and companies act.

What Is the Risk?

In 1978 NASA scientist Donald Kessler described a scenario now known as Kessler Syndrome: once debris in orbit becomes dense enough, collisions between objects produce still more fragments, creating a cascading effect that can render important orbital regions unusable. Because satellites operate at orbital speeds up to about 15 kilometers per second, impacts can easily damage or destroy functioning spacecraft.

How Much Debris Is There?

NASA estimates more than 25,000 objects larger than 10 cm and roughly 500,000 objects between 1 and 10 cm are currently in orbit. While most fragments harmlessly burn up on re-entry and do not directly threaten human life, the loss of satellites would severely degrade communications and critical services.

Why The Problem Could Worsen

Launch activity and large planned constellations increase collision risk. A 2021 Government Technology report noted proposals for up to 65,000 new spacecraft and that about 4,550 satellites were already in orbit at that time. Brian Weeden of the Secure World Foundation warned the situation could reach "a tipping point, where it starts to accelerate." Astronomer Jonathan McDowell added:

“We’re at a time of transformative change in the human use of space. We are seeing more and more satellites getting damaged by orbital debris hits. Occasionally satellites get destroyed.”

A Proposed Three-Part Response

Researchers at the University of Surrey outlined a practical three-part strategy that aims to blunt the risk:

• Reduce: Launch providers should minimize the material left in orbit — for example, by returning or safely deorbiting rocket stages.
• Repair: Extend satellite lifetimes through in-orbit servicing and upgrades instead of abandoning defunct units that become junk.
• Recycle: Develop technologies to capture and repurpose or remove debris, though this is complicated by international law and property rules.

Challenges Ahead

Technical complexity, high costs and legal barriers — including rules that effectively prohibit one country from removing another nation's objects without permission — make large-scale cleanup difficult. Experts say coordinated international policy, clearer liability frameworks and investment in debris-removal and servicing technologies will be essential to prevent a serious communications disruption.

Originally reported by Men's Journal (Dec 9, 2025). Summary reporting also appeared via AccuWeather and Government Technology.