The constant increase in the amount of space debris poses a serious threat for active satellites and the International Space Station (ISS) because the debris remains in orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometres for decades up to centuries.

DLR researchers are working on several methods, e.g. a laser-based tracking method to determine the precise location of orbiting objects. Based on the position data, it is possible to calculate precise orbits of space debris that in turn enable efficient avoidance manoeuvres.