Distribution of space debris over time. Computer artwork showing how the distribution of space debirs has developed over time. Discarded objects from

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Distribution of space debris over time. Computer artwork showing how the distribution of space debirs has developed over time. Discarded objects from space craft start off in a single orbit around the Earth (far left). As they collide with one another and other objects in orbit, they break up and are knocked off course (middle). Eventually they end up evenly distributed around the Earth's orbit (right), posing a risk to future satellites and other spacecraft missions.

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Size: 3876px × 2280px
Photo credit: © CLAUS LUNAU/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 20th, 21st, artwork, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, background, black, century, collision, cut, cut-, cut-outs, cutout, cutouts, danger, dangerous, debris, discarded, distribution, disused, earth, globe, illustration, junk, orbit, orbital, outs, planet, risk, rubbish, scrap, solar, space, spaceflight, system, time, unused, waste