When rockets or satellites are launched into space, the entire thing doesn't usually end up there. On the way, parts are either jettisoned or they simply fall off.
According to NASA, about 500,000 such pieces of space debris are currently orbiting earth. This animation shows the 20,000 of pieces that are larger than a softball.
Story by Jacob Shamsian and editing by Stephen Parkhurst
Follow INSIDER on Facebook
Follow INSIDER on YouTube