Reentry rate remains high – 2026 Space environment report

The diagram shows the evolution of reentering objects by displaying them in each year by object type (excl. human spaceflight).

Reentry activity remained high in 2025, driven by both rapid growth in space activity and improved compliance with debris mitigation guidelines. With around ten objects launched each day and more than three intact objects reentering daily, the number of payloads returning to Earth as part of planned end-of-life disposal continued to rise.  

This reflects a positive shift towards shorter orbital lifetimes, encouraged by the transition from the 25-year to 5-year disposal target in low-Earth orbit.  

Controlled reentries of rocket bodies continued to outnumber uncontrolled ones for the second year, demonstrating progress in responsible space operations.  

Discover the 2026 ESA Space Environment Report.