Since the 1950s, humans have sent thousands of rockets and satellites into space. These machines help us with weather forecasting, GPS navigation, and communications. However, when these satellites break or stop working, they often remain in orbit around the Earth. This leftover metal is called "space debris." Although most pieces of debris are very small, they travel at incredibly high speeds. ( 1 ) _______, even a tiny piece of paint can damage a spacecraft if it hits the window.

Currently, there are millions of pieces of debris circling our planet. Scientists are worried that if the amount of debris continues to increase, it could become too dangerous to send new satellites into space. This would cause major problems for technology on Earth. ( 2 ) _______, space agencies around the world are working together to find a solution.

Some ideas include using large nets to catch the junk or using lasers to burn it up. Another plan is to build satellites that can ( 3 ) _______ themselves at the end of their mission by falling back into Earth's atmosphere and burning up safely.

Since the 1950s, humans have sent thousands of rockets and satellites into space. These machines help us with weather forecasting, GPS navigation, and communications. However, when these satellites break or stop working, they often remain in orbit around the Earth. This leftover metal is called "space debris." Although most pieces of debris are very small, they travel at incredibly high speeds. ( 1 ) _______, even a tiny piece of paint can damage a spacecraft if it hits the window.

Currently, there are millions of pieces of debris circling our planet. Scientists are worried that if the amount of debris continues to increase, it could become too dangerous to send new satellites into space. This would cause major problems for technology on Earth. ( 2 ) _______, space agencies around the world are working together to find a solution.

Some ideas include using large nets to catch the junk or using lasers to burn it up. Another plan is to build satellites that can ( 3 ) _______ themselves at the end of their mission by falling back into Earth's atmosphere and burning up safely.