Collaborating with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, UNEP’s assessment reveals alarming impacts: rocket exhausts and re-entering vehicles pump pollutants into the atmosphere, potentially damaging the ozone shield. Swarms of satellites and debris create a hazardous debris field, increasing crash probabilities that could cascade into the Kessler Syndrome – a chain reaction of collisions dooming orbits.

Beyond technical woes, these developments interfere with ground-based astronomy, as bright satellite trails obscure celestial views. To counter this, UNEP advocates bolstering research efforts, improving surveillance systems, innovating greener spacecraft designs, and strengthening global partnerships.

The message is clear: space is not infinite. As commercial space ventures boom – think Starlink and beyond – collective action is essential. UNEP envisions a future where exploration coexists with preservation, ensuring the stars remain accessible without compromising Earth’s protective layers or the cosmos itself.