Pravda has a collection of images showing spacejunk that is in orbit around the earth. The white dots in the picture below are satellites. Of the 5600 satellites in orbit only 600 of them are working.

Approximately 400 of the launched satellites are beyond earth's orbit. There is also plenty of other forms of spacejunk such as screwdrivers. One of the issues is the spacejunk colliding with working satellites, or something being sent up into orbit, or to another planet at high velocity avoiding hitting anything.
More reading: Tags, Space, Space Junk, Garbage
Cam Riley: South Sea Republic. Freedom, liberty, equity and an Australian Republic.

Comments
  • adam . # . 1/1
    Wow, I had no idea there was so much cold war era trash still floating around. I thought Pravda disappeared years ago.
    Give me utilitiy or give me something slightly better!
    • cam . # .
      I am willing to bet it is mostly commercial. Telecommunication satellites have horrifically small half-lives.
      'Sworn to no party, and of no sect am I.' Frederick Vosper's republican motto.
    • cam . # .
      Maybe not. This report indicates that about 20 a year were launched in the oughts.
      'Sworn to no party, and of no sect am I.' Frederick Vosper's republican motto.
      • adam . # . 1/1
        (I guess my Pravda joke fell flat then.)
        Give me utilitiy or give me something slightly better!
        • cam . # . 1/1
          I'd watch it, in the new post-soviet russian era making jokes like that will have Putin at your door asking for a date with your daughter.
          'Sworn to no party, and of no sect am I.' Frederick Vosper's republican motto.