NASA and SpaceX underestimated the dangers of space debris reentry.

Scientists are increasingly alarmed by the amount of space debris falling to Earth from missions related to the International Space Station. Despite initial expectations that disposable hardware would not survive reentry, pieces of space junk have been discovered by landowners, raising concerns about the risks associated with uncontrolled reentries.

Engineers from the Aerospace Corporation in California emphasize the need for more research into the reentry process as more satellites are launched into space. Marlon Sorge, the executive director of Aerospace’s Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies, highlights the importance of understanding the impact of new materials and operational approaches in the rapidly evolving space industry.

While controlled reentries over remote oceans are ideal, they are often deemed cost-prohibitive due to the need for additional fuel and lack of rocket thrusters on spacecraft. Recent incidents, such as fragments damaging properties in Florida and North Carolina, have underscored the potential risks associated with space debris falling to Earth.

In a bid to address the issue, SpaceX has retrieved debris from previous missions, including a 90-pound piece found on a farm in Saskatchewan. Similar incidents have occurred in Colorado and Australia, indicating the need for better management of space debris to prevent potential damage to terrestrial properties.

As the number of satellite constellations and rocket launches continue to increase, the urgency for research and improved protocols for reentry processes is paramount to ensure the safety of both space missions and Earth’s inhabitants.