Clearspace-1 space debris cleanup target in orbit just got struck by space debris

animation of a spider-shaped spacecraft extending its legs and capturing a cone-shaped piece. the earth and clouds are in behind, as well as the black of space

The target for a space debris cleanup mission is apparently in pieces.

A leftover rocket adapter, expected to be removed from low Earth orbit in 2026, has new pieces of space debris floating nearby. That's a likely aftereffect of being hit by something small flying through space. The problem was spotted by the 18th Space Defense Squadron of the U.S. Space Force, which monitors satellite movements.