# The Impending Dangers of Satellite Clashes and Space Debris
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Chapter 1: The Current State of Space Debris
There are around 6,900 satellites orbiting our planet today. As we continue to launch new objects into space weekly, the density in low Earth orbit is increasing, leading to potential collisions.
A Notable Collision
In 2009, a catastrophic event occurred when two communication satellites collided at speeds of 26,000 mph. One satellite was operational, while the other—a defunct Russian military satellite—had been silent since 1995. This incident, which took place 490 miles above Siberia, scattered debris across the globe. Notably, this collision and a Chinese anti-satellite missile test from 2007 account for a staggering 33% of all current space debris.
In 2012, communication was abruptly lost with the Envisat 8, a sizable environmental satellite comparable to a double-decker bus. While this is the largest piece of inactive space junk, the European Space Agency (ESA) estimates there are around 128 million fragments ranging from 1mm to 1cm. The sheer volume and variety of debris complicate cleanup efforts, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue before we find ourselves confined to Earth.
Understanding the Kessler Syndrome
In 1978, NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler warned of a dire scenario: if the density of objects in low Earth orbit becomes too high, a single collision could trigger a chain reaction, effectively trapping humanity on our planet. The vast speeds at which these objects travel mean that collisions create even more debris, exacerbating the problem. If the debris field becomes too dense, launching new missions may become perilous due to the increased risk of collisions.
Cleaning Up Our Mess
Having grown up in Alaska, I've learned the importance of leaving a campsite cleaner than I found it. Unfortunately, many individuals neglect this responsibility, leading to a significant accumulation of space debris. Countries like China often disregard the consequences of their rocket launches, caring little about where their boosters land or the potential hazards they pose to our atmosphere.
For over five decades, humanity has treated space as a dumping ground. However, with the rise of commercial space ventures, there is a newfound urgency to address this issue. Despite some promising developments—such as a Japanese company launching a prototype cleanup satellite—the scale of the problem remains daunting.
The challenges of debris removal are intensified in space due to the harsh environment and high costs associated with access.
Chapter 2: The Commercialization of Space
The push for commercialization in space is accelerating, with significant investments from both government and private sectors. Space Force is ramping up to support scientific and commercial missions, and countries like China, Russia, and India are heavily investing in their space programs.
Jeff Bezos, a prominent figure in this movement, is focused on making humanity a space-faring civilization. However, his efforts, particularly through the launch of Amazon's Kuiper project—aimed at providing broadband access via a constellation of 3,236 satellites—raise concerns about the risk of exacerbating space debris issues.
Experts estimate that this project could increase collision risks by 6%, a statistic that should alarm us all. As John Crassidis notes, even a seemingly small increase in collision probability could necessitate emergency maneuvers for astronauts.
The Challenge of Solutions
While the most straightforward solution to prevent a Kessler Syndrome scenario would be to halt all satellite launches, this approach would stifle innovation and profit. The allure of space exploration and the potential financial benefits are too compelling for most entities to resist.
Learning from History
A historical parallel can be drawn to the colonization of new territories, where wealth was extracted with little regard for long-term consequences. We must be cautious not to repeat the errors of the past in our quest for resources in space.
The Path Forward
As we explore the cosmos, it is crucial to hold accountable those who contribute to the growing issue of space debris. Unlike earthly waste, we cannot simply abandon our junk in orbit. Every organization that launches objects into space must take responsibility for their cleanup.
In conclusion, while there are lucrative opportunities in space investment, we must prioritize accountability and sustainable practices to ensure we do not endanger future generations.
Recent Developments
It is worth noting that a small piece of space debris recently caused damage to the International Space Station, highlighting the immediate risks posed by orbital debris.
For further reading on this critical issue, consider exploring the following resources: