Space Debris
Space Debris
Context: A non-operational Russian satellite, RESURS-P1, recently disintegrated into more than 100 pieces of debris. This event forced astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to take shelter in their spacecraft for about an hour.
This incident highlights the increasing worry about space debris as space becomes more crowded with essential satellite networks.
About Space Debris:
Space debris refers to human-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve any purpose. Examples include old satellites, used rocket parts, and fragments from collisions.
Threats from Space Debris:
- Threat to Marine Life: When debris falls into the ocean, it can harm marine life and add to pollution.
- Threat to Satellites: Space debris can damage working satellites, leading to potential malfunctions.
- Kessler Syndrome: This is a scenario where the overpopulation of space debris leads to a chain reaction of collisions.
- Reduction of Orbital Slots: The buildup of debris limits the available space for future missions.
- Space Situational Awareness: The increasing amount of debris makes it harder for satellite operators and space agencies to track and predict orbits.
