Our lives depend on a world we can't see: the satellite infrastructure we use every day for information, entertainment, communication and so much more. But Earth orbit isn't a limitless resource, and the problem of space debris will get worse without a significant change to our behavior. Natalie Panek challenges us to consider the environmental impact of the satellites we rely on. Our orbital environment is breathtakingly beautiful and our gateway to exploration, she says. It's up to us to keep it that way.

Natalie Panek: Let's clean up the space junk orbiting Earth

Let's clean up the space junk orbiting Earth

Satellites critical for daily activities like GPS and weather forecasts are at risk due to space junk cluttering Earth's orbits.

With only 1 in 7 of nearly 7,000 satellites operational, the growing space debris poses a major risk to essential satellite infrastructure.

Innovative solutions like standardized satellite designs for easier recycling and orbital tow trucks could mitigate space debris issues.