The rapid increase in satellites and space junk will make low Earth orbit unusable unless companies and countries cooperate, experts say.

The mounting congestion in low Earth orbit from thousands of satellites and millions of debris pieces creates significant collision risks, threatening global communication and navigation systems. The UN panel urges the creation of a centralized shared database to track orbital objects and highlights the need for international cooperation and robust regulations to ensure space safety and sustainability.

Low Earth orbit is the region most congested with human-made objects as it offers a balance between cost and proximity, making it a prime target for the rapidly growing commercial space sector.

In late October, a United Nations panel on space traffic coordination emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive shared database of orbital objects.