All of this adds up to the likelihood, the ESA warns, that a theoretical scenario known as the Kessler Syndrome could become reality: That left unchecked, the multiplying detritus and subsequent cascade of collisions could make Earth's orbit unusable for space travel.

Kessler syndrome could make space exploration and the use of satellites dangerous, or even unfeasible, for many generations.

The concept known as “Kessler Syndrome” was proposed nearly five decades ago. Experts weigh in on whether the space-based disaster scenario is already unfolding.

As the number of satellites in Earth orbit increases, so too does the risk from space debris — and some experts warn certain orbits could already be getting dangerously crowded.