What examples of operational debris arise from routine use other than spent rocket bodies?
Answer
Discarded equipment like adapter rings or shed thermal blankets
Space debris originates from two main genesis points: catastrophic breakups and normal operational processes. Operational debris refers to items left behind during the routine functioning of space systems. While spent upper stages of launch vehicles are a major component, other items jettisoned during deployment are also included. These manufactured discards encompass components such as adapter rings, which connect payloads to the rocket stages, and thermal blankets that might be shed as insulation is no longer needed once the mission proceeds.
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