How does NASA focus its intense tracking efforts regarding space debris size?
Answer
Objects larger than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches)
Different space agencies utilize varying thresholds for tracking and cataloging orbital junk, but NASA specifically concentrates its most intense tracking efforts on objects exceeding 10 centimeters in physical dimension. Objects of this magnitude or larger are considered significant because a collision involving such a piece would almost certainly result in the catastrophic destruction of an operational spacecraft or another rocket body. While smaller objects pose a widespread threat, these larger components represent the most identifiable and potentially devastating collision hazards that require constant monitoring.
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