What kind of problem is 34,000 pieces of space junk circling the Earth?

NPR | By Ayesha Rascoe

Published August 9, 2026 at 6:12 AM MDT

Facebook
Flipboard
LinkedIn
Email

A derelict SpaceX rocket plowed into the moon Aug. 8, reigniting a debate about space junk. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to John Crassidis from the University at Buffalo about the issue.

Facebook
Flipboard
LinkedIn
Email

Ayesha Rascoe

Ayesha Rascoe is the host of Weekend Edition Sunday and the Saturday episodes of Up First.

Make a monthly donation

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month

Make a one-time donation

Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR

Pay pledge or update info

Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information