China's rocket stage disposal worsens space debris

An expert analysis highlights a significant and worsening problem with China's approach to disposing of spent rocket stages, contributing heavily to orbital debris. Unlike established norms followed by other space-faring nations, China appears to be abandoning many rocket bodies in long-lived, high low-Earth orbits. This practice is particularly concerning given China's rapidly increasing launch rate, driven by its ambitions to deploy satellite megaconstellations. If unchecked, this trend could severely degrade the already congested space environment, posing risks to operational satellites and future space activities.