There are hopes New Zealand can help lead the effort to clean up space.  

Space Minister Judith Collins has announced we've joined a US-led multi-national space initiative: Operation Olympic Defender. 

International space expert Maria Pozza told Ryan Bridge that as well as defence, it will see New Zealand contribute to reducing space debris. 

She says in recent decades space junk has become a key issue, and sustainable use of space is becoming increasingly important. 

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