Space MIAD Practice Test

Space debris refers to non-functional spacecraft, remnants of satellites, and fragments from disintegration, erosion, and collisions in Earth's orbit. These objects can include anything from spent rocket stages to defunct satellites and tiny fragments created from collisions or even paint flecks.

The reason option C is the correct answer is that it accurately encapsulates the concept of space debris as it encompasses all the man-made objects that are no longer operational and that pose potential collision risks to active satellites and other space missions. This understanding is critical as space traffic management is increasingly necessary due to the crowded environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond.

The other choices refer to objects that do not fit the definition of space debris: active satellites are operational and serve a purpose, natural satellites like the Moon are celestial bodies rather than debris, and rocket fuel remnants do not constitute debris in the traditional sense, as this term is specifically focused on solid, inert objects rather than substances like fuel.