In an article published in the Austrian magazine “wespennest” Nina Klimburg-Witjes and Kai Strycker discuss the critical situation of space debris and the potential threats it poses to our space infrastructure. Written in an attempt to avert the general public to the concerning developments that so often happen out of sight and out of mind, the article gives a broad overview of the current predicament of orbital debris. As human activity in space increases, the growing debris population poses significant risks to operational satellites, space missions, and even the International Space Station. The Kessler Syndrome, a scenario where cascading collisions create an uncontrollable debris field, highlights the urgency of mitigation strategies. Current efforts focus on debris tracking, active removal technologies, and sustainable space practices to ensure the long-term viability of space operations. If you are interested in learning more about the history and the current situation in the orbital planes above our heads, you can read the article here.