A new study from the University of British Columbia warns that space debris poses a growing threat to air travel safety. Researchers analyzed worldwide flight data and compared it to records of uncontrolled rocket body reentries, finding that the danger is increasing.
The mass deployment of satellites like SpaceX’s Starlink is driving this risk, as more objects are sent into orbit and planes take to the skies. Even with technology to track falling space debris, the concern remains major.
According to the study, areas around major airports have a 0.8% chance per year of being affected by an uncontrolled reentry, rising to 26% in larger, busy airspace regions. The risk is further exacerbated by even small pieces of rocket or satellite that can cause damage if they make contact with aircraft.
As the threat grows, so do concerns about closing airspace, which would lead to congestion and delays. Researchers say investing in controlled rocket reentry technology could mitigate this risk, but currently, less than 35% of launches use it.
With over 2,300 rocket bodies already in orbit, uncontrolled reentries will be a challenge for decades to come. The research highlights the need for buy-in from government agencies and private companies to improve safety both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-risk-of-space-junk-hitting-planes-is-rising-in-the-era-of-spacex