Three big threats to satellites — and what to do about them (op-ed)

Since the dawn of the space age in 1957, 80 countries and intergovernmental organizations have launched more than 9,000 objects into space — with nearly 800 in just the past year. While the benefits of this explosive rise in space-based ventures are many (better communications, scientific advancements and stronger national security, to name a few), there are drawbacks as well. The more congested space is, the more contested it becomes, creating challenges for both national and global security.

Here's a look at three of the biggest threats to satellites and what's being done to counter them.

This story first appeared in Space.com.