Summary:

- This article discusses the important work of Heather Cowardin, a scientist at NASA, who is responsible for ensuring the safety and sustainability of future space exploration missions.

- Cowardin's role involves identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with the growing amount of space debris orbiting the Earth, which can pose a threat to spacecraft and astronauts.

- By developing advanced tracking and modeling techniques, Cowardin and her team are working to better understand the behavior of space debris and develop strategies to safely navigate the increasingly crowded space environment, paving the way for continued exploration and discovery.