All articles tagged with #space safety
A new 'CRASH Clock' study warns that in a worst-case scenario, Earth-orbiting satellites could start colliding within less than three days, a significant decrease from previous estimates, driven by the rapid increase in satellite numbers and potential space weather events, raising concerns about space debris and the Kessler Syndrome.
SpaceX plans to lower around 4,400 Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km altitude in 2026 to enhance space safety, reduce collision risks, and address recent debris incidents, amid a significant increase in space object traffic and collision mitigation efforts.
SpaceX plans to lower the orbits of about 4,400 Starlink satellites from 550 km to 480 km by 2026 to enhance space safety, reduce collision risks, and improve performance, amid recent satellite anomalies and international concerns over space debris and security.
A SpaceX Starlink satellite experienced a mysterious anomaly, lost contact, and is tumbling back to Earth, creating debris; the cause is under investigation, highlighting increasing space traffic and collision risks.
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.
A new study warns that the increasing density of satellite mega-constellations in Low Earth Orbit creates a fragile system at risk of catastrophic collision, especially during solar storms, with potential for a rapid cascade of debris and loss of space access within days if control is lost. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for better management and risk assessment to prevent a future space debris catastrophe.
Starlink and Chinese satellites nearly collided last week, highlighting ongoing concerns about space safety and satellite management. The incident underscores the importance of tracking and coordinating satellite movements to prevent collisions in increasingly crowded orbits.
Recent incidents involving stranded astronauts on China's Tiangong space station and the Boeing Starliner highlight the urgent need for a dedicated space rescue capability, prompting experts to call for standardized procedures and affordable organizational solutions to ensure astronaut safety in emergencies.
The Chinese crew of Shenzhou-20, originally set to return to Earth, is stranded in orbit due to a suspected impact from untracked space debris, highlighting growing concerns over space debris risks and the safety protocols in place for human spaceflight. The delay allows for inspection and safety measures, with the crew continuing their mission aboard the Tiangong station.
China has delayed the return of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft due to suspected debris impact damage, with no new return date set, raising safety concerns similar to past spaceflight incidents like the Columbia disaster and NASA's recent spacecraft issues.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has introduced a Space Environment Health Index to quantify the impact of human activities on Earth's orbital environment, highlighting that current space debris levels are four times higher than the sustainability threshold and emphasizing the need for stronger mitigation efforts to ensure long-term space sustainability.
Space debris from rockets and satellites is increasing exponentially, leading to more incidents of space junk falling to Earth and raising collision risks in low Earth orbit, which could have serious consequences for space operations and safety.
A tiny asteroid about 3 to 10 feet wide, labeled 2025 TF, narrowly passed over Antarctica at an altitude of roughly 266 miles on October 1, 2025. It was detected a few hours after its closest approach, highlighting the challenges in spotting small, fast-moving objects in space. Despite its close pass, the asteroid posed no threat to Earth or satellites, and the event underscores the importance of ongoing sky surveys and rapid follow-up observations to improve early detection and risk assessment of near-Earth objects.
Skynet-1A, a British military satellite launched in 1969 and inactive since 1971, has mysteriously changed its orbit in 2024, likely due to onboard thrusters being used, raising concerns about space debris and collision risks in congested geostationary orbit. The incident highlights issues of space debris management, historical record loss, and the need for responsible space stewardship.
ESA conducted a comprehensive simulation of a massive solar storm, inspired by the historic Carrington event, to test spacecraft and ground system resilience, improve preparedness, and develop better forecasting tools for space weather threats, highlighting the importance of advanced monitoring satellites like the upcoming Vigil mission.