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The fragments can then hit other objects, producing even more space debris: if a large enough collision or explosion were to occur, such as between a space station and a defunct satellite, or as the result of hostile actions in space, then the resulting debris cascade could make prospects for long-term viability of satellites in particular low ...
Much of the debris will eventually re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up, that process can take years. While it remains in space, it creates new problems and poses risks to space missions and ...
The movement to crack down on the hazardous debris whizzing through outer space has seemed to strengthen in recent years. Many scientists have for years sounded the alarm about Earth's rapidly ...
As space debris increases, scientists are worried about collisions that could eventually clog up Earth’s orbit, posing a threat to astronauts, space missions and other satellites, according to NASA.
NASA estimates there are 17.6 million pounds of objects in Earth's orbit, and the amount of space junk is only expected to increase. ... Why junk in Earth orbit is becoming a huge problem
The 2009 satellite collision entirely obliterated both spacecraft and resulted in the creation of an estimated 1,000 new pieces of space debris larger than 10 cm (4 in) and many smaller ones. [2] There are other smaller bits of material in orbit around Earth that could also cause significant damage to satellites.
To avoid excessive creation of artificial space debris, many – but not all – satellites launched to above-low-Earth-orbit are launched initially into elliptical orbits with perigees inside Earth's atmosphere so the orbit will quickly decay and the satellites then will be destroyed upon reentry into the atmosphere. Other methods are used for ...
By the time the October report was released in 2023, that figure had jumped to 37 orbital debris avoidance maneuvers. Space junk can even cause problems for people here on Earth if it doesn't burn ...