“Lunar litter” typically refers to human-made debris or waste left behind on the Moon’s surface by missions or activities conducted by humans. This term is analogous to “space debris” or “space junk,” which refers to human-made objects in orbit around the Earth that no longer serve a useful purpose.

As space exploration progresses and more missions are conducted on the Moon, there is a growing concern about the accumulation of debris and waste left behind by spacecraft, rovers, and astronauts. Lunar litter can include discarded equipment, spent rocket stages, packaging materials, and other debris generated during missions.

The presence of lunar litter poses several potential risks and challenges, including:

1. Environmental Impact: Lunar litter can disrupt the natural landscape of the Moon and potentially interfere with future scientific research and exploration activities.
2. Contamination: Human-made debris left on the Moon may contain contaminants that could affect the lunar environment or interfere with scientific experiments.
3. Collision Risks: As more objects are placed on the Moon’s surface, there is an increased risk of collisions between spacecraft, rovers, or other equipment, which could damage or destroy valuable assets.

Efforts are being made to address the issue of lunar litter and minimize its impact on the Moon’s environment. These efforts include implementing guidelines for responsible space exploration, designing spacecraft and equipment with disposal plans in mind, and developing technologies for cleaning up space debris in the future.