All articles tagged with #orbital collision
A new study introduces the CRASH clock, indicating a 2.8-day window before a likely catastrophic collision in low-Earth orbit due to increasing satellite congestion, especially from Starlink, raising concerns about potential Kessler syndrome and the need for immediate action to prevent space debris chaos.
A new study warns that the risk of catastrophic satellite collisions in Earth's orbit has increased significantly, with the 'CRASH Clock' now at just 2.8 days, indicating little time to prevent disaster from solar storms or satellite debris chain reactions, potentially leading to severe space and Earth-based consequences.
SpaceX has expressed frustration after a Chinese satellite nearly collided with one of its Starlink satellites, highlighting the growing risk of orbital collisions due to the increasing number of satellites and space debris. The incident underscores the urgent need for better coordination among satellite operators to prevent potentially catastrophic collisions in Earth's crowded orbit.
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong station are stranded after a collision with space debris damaged their spacecraft, postponing their return mission while assessments are made; the incident underscores the growing dangers of space debris in orbit.
Scientists at SwRI have developed a new detection system to identify and analyze space debris impacts on spacecraft, providing early warnings to help avoid collisions and improve future spacecraft design, addressing the growing threat of orbital debris to satellite operations.
A mysterious streak of light seen over Sacramento, California, was identified as the Inter-orbit communication system (ICS), a retired component that enabled communication between the International Space Station's Kibo module and Mission Control. The 683 lbs (310 kg) component was jettisoned from the ISS into a decaying orbit in 2020. Sightings of space debris burning up in Earth's atmosphere are likely to become more common as companies like SpaceX launch thousands of satellites. NASA and the Department of Defense currently track up to 27,000 known pieces of space debris, and there is always a risk posed to satellites and other vehicles in orbit.