Ground-based optical observations of the orbital debris environment
Space debris encompasses both natural meteoroid and artificial (human-made) orbital debris. Meteoroids are in orbit about the sun, while most artificial debris is in orbit about the Earth (hence the term “orbital” debris). Orbital debris is the term for any object in Earth orbit that no longer serves a useful function. These objects include non-operational spacecraft, derelict launch vehicle stages, mission-related debris, and fragmentation debris. NASA - Orbital Debris Management and Risk Mitigation
April-May-June list of observed objects:
April Observations
04 April, 2026. Observations:
1. KSLV-II R/B (COSPAR ID: 2023-072H, SATCAT: 56750), derelict launch vehicle stages
2. Starlink 34343 (COSPAR ID: 2025-112M, SATCAT: 64157), fragmentation debris
[On Sunday, March 29, Starlink satellite 34343 experienced an anomaly on-orbit, resulting in loss of communications with the satellite at ~560 km above Earth. Starlink-34343 is (was) a "version 2 mini" bus design, with a mass of ~570 kg. It was launched on 27 May 2025 into the sun synchronous 550 km shell as part of Starlink Group 17-1-12.] https://x.com/Starlink/status/2038635185118588973?s=20