NASA-Backed Companies Pursue Revolutionary Debris Removal in Low Earth Orbit

The Pentagon has awarded contracts to Firefly Aerospace, D-Orbit Space, and Katalyst Space to develop systems for capturing defunct satellites in low Earth orbit, amid growing collision risks. The CRASH Clock indicates just 2.8 days remain before severe debris cascades occur, urging swift action. Successful deorbit missions could revolutionize space debris management and support the rapidly expanding satellite constellations.