What to know about the growing threat of space debris as satellites multiply and experts warn of potential orbital disaster.

All of this adds up to the likelihood, the ESA warns, that a theoretical scenario known as the Kessler Syndrome could become reality: That left unchecked, the multiplying detritus and subsequent cascade of collisions could make Earth's orbit unusable for space travel.

The concept known as “Kessler Syndrome” was proposed nearly five decades ago. Experts weigh in on whether the space-based disaster scenario is already unfolding.

As the number of satellites in Earth orbit increases, so too does the risk from space debris — and some experts warn certain orbits could already be getting dangerously crowded.

ESA warns that unchecked debris accumulation could lead to Kessler Syndrome, rendering space travel impossible in future.

Scientists warn that growing congestion in Earth’s orbit could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, threatening satellites and other space-based technologies essential to daily life. This escalating issue is known as the Kessler Syndrome,