Space debris began to accumulate in Earth orbit with the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into orbit in October, … See more

As of January 2019 there were estimated to be over 128 million pieces of debris smaller than 1 cm (0.39 in), and approximately 900,000 pieces between 1 and 10 cm. The count of large debris (defined as 10 cm across or la… See more

In 1958, the United States of America launched Vanguard I into a medium Earth orbit (MEO). As of October 2009 , it, the upper stage of Vanguard 1's launch rocket and associated piece of debris, are the oldest survi… See more