European Country With The Most Space Junk

Space is getting increasingly crowded and experts in Europe are sounding the alarm. This was made mre urget by the report from the European Space Agency that says "around 1,200 pieces of rocket and satellite debris fell back to Earth last year".

And as 54,000 space junk pieces larger than 10cm remain floating around the planet, the organization adds that they are even increasing in "number and size." Other experts argue the rate of returning objects could reach 15 a day within ten years.

France is reportedly the European nation that is posing the highest orbital risk, with 533 pieces of debris and rocket bodies scattered in orbit, as well as 105 active satellites.

That's according to a space risk score drafted by aerospace hardware manufacturer YIJIN Hardware, which analysed data compiled by Space-Track.org and N2yo.com.

Its spokesperson Gavin Yi claims a "debris cascade could lock us out of orbit for generations."

"As orbital highways become more congested, Europe's approach to space management will determine whether we maintain access to this critical domain".

France however has implemented the Space Debris Mitigation guidelines adopted by the UN, which include measures to minimise debris creation, like de-orbiting and anti-corrosion treatment for satellites at the end of their lifecycle.

The country also has a Space Operations Act that mandates responsible space activities and debris mitigation strategies.

The UK ranks second, purely because it operates the largest satellite fleet on the continent (658). Its debris creation is actually minimal, with only one piece of junk in orbit.

The European Space Agency, too, demonstrated "good orbital waste management", says the report, with 95 satellites and just 27 pieces of debris.