A groundbreaking photographic exhibition is set to highlight the grave and deepening issue of space debris.
Our Fragile Space shines a spotlight on the critical importance of space sustainability and the protection of the night sky through a powerful blend of reportage and artistic photography.
Created and led by photographer Max Alexander and supported by the Royal Astronomical Society, Our Fragile Space will be open to the public in the Burlington House courtyard in London from 19 March to 10 May 2026.
Credit: Max Alexander
Space debris poses significant threats to our way of life
Our Fragile Space will exhibit the growing threat space debris poses to our environment and way of life.
These concerns are shared by the RAS, particularly in the wake of plans by SpaceX, Reflect Orbital and China to launch a combined 1.25 million satellites into an already crowded and increasingly perilous low-Earth orbit.
“Max Alexander’s brilliant exhibition is a powerful and timely reminder of the growing threat of space junk,” stated RAS President Professor Mike Lockwood.
“Thought-provoking and instructive in equal measure, the images add weight to an urgent question in need of a global answer – how do we tackle a problem that could have devastating consequences not just for astronomy, but for us all?”
Championing organisations and people to make a change
The project provides a compelling visual narrative for the “fourth domain” of environmental concern: the near-space environment, while also championing the people and initiatives leading the way in combatting the issue.
By bringing the invisible reality of orbital hazards to the public eye, Our Fragile Space has transitioned from a traditional gallery display into a vital catalyst for global diplomatic and scientific discussion.
Our Fragile Space team awarded for the project’s impact
Our Fragile Space has been showcased at the United Nations in both New York and Vienna, the European Parliament in Brussels, and Lloyd’s of London.
This global reach has allowed the exhibition to bridge the gap between complex orbital mechanics and public consciousness, advocating for the stewardship of our skies on an international stage.
Its most significant legacy is its role in shaping international space policy and its contribution to the UK Space Agency’s In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) framework.
In recognition of the project’s impact, the Our Fragile Space team – including Steve Kelly and Dr Stuart Clark – received the prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Team Media Award.
Everyone is encouraged to go and see Our Fragile Space this spring
Hosted and supported by the RAS, the exhibition continues to champion the protection of dark and quiet skies, advocating for the preservation of the night sky as a shared human heritage against unprecedented satellite expansion.
No booking is required to see the display, which is free to view for everyone.