The Looming Threat: Space Junk Endangers All Satellites

The destruction of a single satellite in space could trigger a catastrophic chain reaction, destroying hundreds of other satellites and rendering low Earth orbit unusable. The risk of this happening has increased due to Russia's anti-satellite missile test in 2019, which created hazardous debris. The Kessler syndrome, proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler, suggests that ongoing collisions and space debris could lead to the destruction of all satellites within 40 years. This would have severe consequences for communication, GPS systems, power grids, and banking systems. The United States has banned the testing of anti-satellite weapons, but the risk remains.