Out There: Space Traffic Control System Needed

There are some 4,000 rocket bodies and satellites, dead or alive, orbiting Earth. In addition, more than 6,000 other large, observable and tracked bits of debris float around up there. More than 200,000 smaller bits bigger than 1 centimeter -- still potentially dangerous but not tracked -- are thought to be in orbit. Much of this material moves at 17,500 mph.

A Chinese anti-satellite test last year created a whopping new cloud of debris that experts called the most prolific and severe fragmentation in space ever.

Satellites and debris in low-Earth orbit can pose a threat to other satellites, space shuttles, and the International Space Station.

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