space debris
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.
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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.
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00:56 - 01:53