Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Recent events in near-Earth space have sparked worries among experts, prompting calls for proactive measures to address the escalating issue of space debris.
Two significant incidents, occurring in January and February, have brought attention to the dangers posed by space debris. On January 27, two massive space junk pieces narrowly avoided collision, while a mysterious Russian satellite disintegrated into 85 fragments in early January. On February 28, a NASA and Russian satellite also just missed a collision with each other in their orbit.
According to a report by Space.com, experts are particularly wary of certain types of space objects that pose the highest risks. These include old derelict objects such as Russian SL-16 rocket bodies and SL-8 rocket stages, among others.
The SL-16, a relic from the Cold War era, represents a significant hazard due to its massive size and lack of manoeuvrability. With 18 of these rocket stages monitored by LeoLabs, concerns mount over potential collisions and the generation of extensive debris.
Another concerning type of debris is the SL-8 rocket stages, used extensively by Russia for launching spy and communication satellites. Lingering in near-Earth space for decades, these objects remain a constant threat due to their large numbers and uncontrollable nature.
The debris resulting from China's 2007 anti-satellite missile test continues to pose significant risks. Thousands of fragments from this event clutter near-Earth space, increasing the likelihood of collisions and exacerbating the space debris problem.
Defunct Earth-observing satellites like Envisat and Landsat, along with NOAA's weather satellites, contribute to the growing debris population. Despite their lower altitudes, their substantial sizes make them potential sources of collision hazards.
The iconic Hubble Space Telescope, though currently operational, may become a hazardous piece of debris once its mission concludes. With its significant mass and lack of propulsion systems for controlled deorbiting, the telescope poses risks of uncontrolled re-entry and potential damage upon impact.
The proliferation of satellite mega constellations, exemplified by SpaceX's Starlink, introduces new challenges in managing space traffic. Despite efforts to mitigate collision risks, the sheer volume of satellites raises concerns about the collective impact on space debris proliferation and collision probabilities.
As space debris continues to accumulate and the number of active satellites rises, experts emphasize the need for proactive measures to address the growing threats to space safety. With potential risks looming on the horizon, comprehensive strategies for space debris mitigation and satellite collision avoidance remain imperative.