Space Junk

Space Junk

Updated: December 16, 2010

By Christa Fletcher

When we think of outer space, we imagine a vast area. Despite the fact that Earth is a mere speck in the larger universe, the magnetic force surrounding our planet is cluttered with orbital debris. Broken satellites, nuts, bolts, metal and other junk from space craft circle around our planet and has caused damage to space shuttles and the International Space Station. Some space junk even falls down like meteors, hot balls of fire that strike the Earth.

How is NASA and the rest of the international space community dealing with space junk? Explore the problem and their tactics below.
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Quiz: Space Junk

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