These objects are. launched into space and orbit Earth, or. another body in space, and carry instru-. ments for collecting information and. communicating it back to Earth. There are approximately 3,000 satellites operating. in Earth orbit, according to the US Government. There are another 8,000 dead satellites and rocket. parts in orbit. Smaller orbital debris or “space junk”. is of growing concern as it can damage active sat-. ellites. There are currently over 20,000 pieces of. trackable debris 3.6 inches (10cm) or larger result-. ing mostly from explosions and collisions.