[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers

Space debris, also known as space junk, consists of defunct human-made objects in Earth's orbit.These items include spent rocket stages, abandoned satellites, and fragments from collisions or explosions.As the number of objects in orbit grows, the risk of collisions increases exponentially, creating even more debris.This chain reaction of collisions is known as the Kessler syndrome, a scenario where the density of objects in low Earth orbit becomes high enough to make space activities and satellite use impossible for generations.The primary concern is not just large objects but also tiny fragments, which can travel at speeds exceeding 28,000 kilometers per hour.Even a speck of paint moving at such high velocities possesses enough kinetic energy to damage the shielding of the International Space Station or disable operational satellites.Monitoring this debris is a complex task handled by ground-based radar and optical sensors, but tracking millions of sub-centimeter particles is currently beyond our technical capabilities.To address this growing threat, space agencies are exploring active debris removal technologies, such as robotic arms, nets, and harpoons.Furthermore, international guidelines now encourage satellite operators to implement 'end-of-life' protocols, ensuring that spacecraft are moved to graveyard orbits or de-orbited to burn up in the atmosphere.Sustained international cooperation is essential to preserve the orbital environment for future exploration and global communication.