Space Debris

Context: A defunct Russian satellite, RESURS-P1 , broke up into over 100 pieces of debris , forcing astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to shelter in their spacecraft for about an hour .

This incident adds to the growing concern over space debris as space becomes increasingly crowded with vital satellite networks.

About Space Debris:

Man-made objects in Earth’s orbit that are no longer functional.

Examples: Defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and debris fragments from collisions.

Threats from Space Debris:

Threat to Marine Life : Objects falling into oceans pose risks to marine life and contribute to pollution.

: Objects falling into oceans pose risks to marine life and contribute to pollution. Threat to Satellites : Debris poses hazards to operational satellites, potentially causing malfunctions.

: Debris poses hazards to operational satellites, potentially causing malfunctions. Kessler Syndrome : Overpopulation of space debris causing cascading collisions.

: Overpopulation of space debris causing cascading collisions. Reduction of Orbital Slots: Accumulation limits the availability of orbital slots for future missions.

Accumulation limits the availability of orbital slots for future missions. Space Situational Awareness : Increasing debris complicates tracking and orbit prediction for satellite operators and space agencies.

Threats from Space Debris