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The defunct RESURS-P1 Russian Earth observation satellite has broken up into pieces, adding to the mass of space debris in orbit.
About Space Debris (Space Junk)
- Defined as all non-functional, artificial objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering into Earth’s atmosphere.
- Maximum debris concentrations can be noted at altitudes of 800-1000 km, and near 1400 km (mainly in Lower Earth Orbits (LEO)).
- Key Sources: Majority of debris objects originate from on-orbit break-ups as well as on-orbit collisions.
- Space debris also originates from spent rocket stages, and use of space-based weapons (such as Anti-satellite missile).
Risks associated with Space Debris
- Operational risks: Space debris objects can cause harm to operational spacecrafts and satellites.
- Risk will be further aggravated by the Kessler syndrome.
- Kessler syndrome is a phenomenon in which the density of objects in the LEO grows leads to collision, triggering a chain reaction that generates more space debris and further collisions.
- Risk will be further aggravated by the Kessler syndrome.
- Threat to astronauts’ lives: Due to the rate of speed and volume of debris in LEO, poses threat to astronauts living in the International Space Station (ISS).
- Rising cost of maintaining satellites in Space: Space agencies have to undertake Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs).
Initiatives TakenGlobal
India
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