Space Regulatory Glossary Orbital Mechanics

orbital debris

/ˈɔːrbɪtəl dɪˈbriː/ noun

1. Non-functional human-made objects in Earth orbit, including defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragmentation debris, and mission-related objects.
2. Orbital debris poses a collision risk to operational spacecraft and is the subject of increasing regulatory attention from the FCC, FAA, and international bodies.

Read: The FCC 5-Year Deorbit Rule

Related terms

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