Impact Risk in LEO as a result of the Increase of Nano and Micro-Satellites

Low Earth orbit (LEO) is experiencing a renaissance thanks to increasing commercialisation of space. The opportunities provided by small satellites are enabling diminutive companies and startups, in particular, to make a significant impact on the space economy. Small satellites have played a vital role in this revolution and they have a unique ability to bring around new products and services at short timescales and for relatively low-cost. This has caused a dramatic increase in both the number of commercial actors within the space industry, to capitalise on the new opportunities, and the number of small spacecraft launched, particularly to LEO.