Space Junk Poses Rising Threat to Air Travel Safety

Researchers warn of increasing risks from uncontrolled rocket debris as air traffic and space launches grow.

A University of British Columbia study highlights a 26% annual chance of rocket debris reentering busy airspace, such as the Northeastern U.S. or Northern Europe.
While the probability of debris hitting an aircraft is low, researchers emphasize that a collision could result in catastrophic consequences.
The growing volume of space debris, with over 2,300 rocket bodies in orbit, coincides with a near doubling of daily flights since 2000, compounding the risk.
Uncontrolled rocket reentries have already led to airspace closures, such as in 2022, disrupting hundreds of flights and creating operational challenges.
Researchers advocate for international regulations requiring controlled reentries to mitigate risks to air travel and reduce economic impacts.