The problem of overcrowding orbits and increasing space debris has never been more urgent. International organizations, policy makers, regulators, space operators and researchers are recognizing how critical this issue is and how it could impact all space services and operations, including, but not limited to, satellite broadband, global navigation satellite systems, scientific research and space missions.

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Agostinho Linhares is executive director of the Instituto de Pesquisa para Economia Digital (IPE Digital) in Brazil.