What is Space Debris, and How Dangerous is it? Part 1

Russia’s test Nov. 15 to blow up one of its own satellites in space has drawn criticism for endangering the crew of the International Space Station and, experts say, created a debris field that has increased risks to space activities for years. Space debris consists of discarded launch vehicles or parts of a spacecraft that float around in space hundreds of kilometers above the Earth, risking collision with satellites or a space station. Debris can also be caused by an explosion in space or when countries conduct tests to destroy their own satellites by missiles. As space debris orbits around the Earth at tremendous speeds — about 25,200 kph in low-Earth orbit — it could cause significant damage to a satellite or a spacecraft in the case of a collision. “Every satellite that goes into orbit has the potential of becoming space debris,” said Hugh Lewis, head of the Astronautics Research Group at the University of Southampton, in an interview. With the launch of more satellites from companies such as Elon Musk’s Starlink and the OneWeb satellite constellation, near-Earth space will likely see more space debris. The U.S. government tracks about 23,000 pieces of debris larger than a softball orbiting the Earth. There are half a million pieces of debris larger than 1 centimeter and 100 million pieces of debris about 1 millimeter or larger. Debris, particularly near the ISS, orbits the Earth 15 to 16 times a day, increasing the risk of collision. (Reuters) To be continued… This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.