Part 2/7:
While many objects burn up upon re-entry, they leave concerning traces behind. This year alone, more than 1,200 satellites or rocket components have returned to Earth. Furthermore, thousands of small fragments continue to orbit the planet, traveling at hypersonic speeds, posing an increasing risk to active satellites and upcoming space missions. Currently, over 45,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 centimeters orbit our planet, remnants of collisions, ancient explosions, and abandoned spacecraft, with the amount only rising. In just this year, over 3,000 new fragments have been added to this hazardous orbital traffic.