NASA and SpaceX misjudged the risks from reentering space junk

NASA and SpaceX have underestimated the risks associated with reentering space junk, leading to incidents where debris survived reentry and landed on Earth. Landowners have found pieces of space junk linked to missions supporting the International Space Station, raising concerns about uncontrolled reentries. Engineers emphasize the need for more research into spacecraft reentries as more objects are launched into space. The Aerospace Corporation highlights the urgency to understand the process better to adapt to new materials and operational approaches quickly. While controlled reentries over remote ocean areas are ideal, they are often costly due to the need for extra fuel. Recent incidents include space junk damaging property in Florida and North Carolina, with debris from SpaceX Dragon capsules found in various locations. NASA and SpaceX are working to retrieve debris and address the challenges posed by uncontrolled reentries. These events underscore the growing issue of space debris and the importance of mitigating risks associated with reentering objects from space.