On April 28th, Amazon launched its Project Kuiper satellites, adding 27 to the growing number of commercial satellites in low-Earth orbit, now exceeding 2,500 for 2024 alone. This surge includes initiatives from SpaceX, OneWeb, and Chinese companies, raising concerns about orbital overcrowding and the risk of collisions, which could lead to a cascade of debris and severe consequences for space operations. Experts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive management rules to address the increasing congestion and prevent catastrophic outcomes, as no coordinated tracking or responsibility for debris currently exists.
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