orbital hazards
What is the current state of space debris around Earth according to NASA?
According to NASA's estimate, there are approximately 500,000 pieces of space debris currently orbiting Earth. These orbital fragments pose a significant hazard as some are traveling at an astonishing speed of 17,500 miles per hour. At such velocities, even small pieces of debris can cause catastrophic damage to functioning satellites and other space assets essential for global communications and services. This growing cloud of space junk represents an increasing challenge for space operations and future missions.
Watch clip answer (00:15m)
WION
00:36 - 00:51
What is the potential impact of the collision between a defunct Soviet satellite and a Chinese rocket booster on space debris?
The collision could increase the existing 500,000 pieces of space debris orbiting Earth by up to 20%. This is particularly concerning because even small pieces of debris can pose a significant threat to operational satellites that support global communications and other critical functions. These fragments travel at extraordinary speeds, some reaching 17,500 miles per hour, making them capable of destroying entire satellites upon impact despite their small size. The anticipated collision between these two space objects represents a serious escalation of an already dangerous situation in Earth's orbit.
Watch clip answer (01:04m)WION
00:02 - 01:07
How does space debris threaten satellites and global communication?
Space debris poses a serious threat to functioning satellites, with even small pieces measuring just a few inches capable of destroying an entire satellite when moving at superspeed. This junk consists of defunct satellites and remains from previous space missions orbiting Earth. The danger is particularly concerning because global communication and countless other critical functions depend on these satellites. With over 500,000 pieces of debris in orbit, any collision could significantly impact our technology-dependent world, potentially jeopardizing essential satellite services that modern society relies upon.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)WION
00:10 - 00:36
What potential consequences could result from the collision between the Soviet satellite and Chinese rocket booster?
If the defunct Soviet satellite (from 1989) and Chinese rocket booster (from 2009) collide, it would be the first spontaneous collision between space debris in over a decade and could increase the amount of space junk around Earth by 10-20%. The collision would produce numerous additional debris fragments, contributing to the growing problem of space waste. Experts fear this scenario because it represents a significant escalation in the space debris challenge, potentially threatening operational satellites and future space missions.
Watch clip answer (00:56m)WION
00:56 - 01:53