The growing amount of space debris in Earth’s orbit is posing a significant threat to satellites and astronauts. According to experts, the junk is accumulating at an alarming rate, with over 1,000 collision warnings issued daily. The debris includes dead satellites, rocket bodies, and even small items like gloves and wrenches.
Physicist Thomas Berger warned that if left unchecked, the debris could trigger a chain reaction of collisions, making it impossible for new launches to take place. This scenario is known as Kessler syndrome, which experts hope to prevent.
Recent close calls have shown the dangers of space debris. In 2009, two satellites collided, and in 2021, a Chinese satellite and a Russian rocket chunk collided. These events created hazardous debris fields that still pose a threat today.
To mitigate this issue, satellite operators are conducting collision-avoidance maneuvers to safely navigate around potential hazards. However, not all satellites can move on command, leaving them vulnerable to damage.
Experts, including Daniel Baker, are urging lawmakers to pass the ORBITS Act, which would support technologies for removing junk from orbit. They warn that if action is not taken, space debris could make a significant part of our environment unusable.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/earth-orbit-space-junk-problem-satellite-collision-warnings-2024-12