Space Safety

ESA

Earth, with all of its diverse life forms, is unique in the Solar System. In order to protect our planet and also our space and ground infrastructure, the trajectories of objects in near-Earth space are continuously recorded and identified. These objects include active satellites and space debris. The semi-mobile radar observation system GESTRA is one of the world's most advanced space surveillance systems and can detect more than 200 objects per hour at a distance of several hundred kilometres.

Space Debris

Since the launch of the world's first satellite into orbit, space activities have led to a large number of objects being left behind in Earth orbit. Since then, the number of these objects has continued to increase. This space debris is an undesirable by-product of spaceflight because it not only obstructs it but can also lead to damage on the ground.

Hera – planetary defence against asteroid impacts

Asteroid impacts on Earth are a very rare natural disaster, but they can have serious consequences. It is therefore important to be equipped to deal with potentially dangerous asteroids. The Hera mission is investigating potential defensive measures against such celestial bodies in the future.