Source: Hindustan Times
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.
- Threat to Satellites: Debris poses hazards to operational satellites, potentially causing malfunctions.
- Kessler Syndrome: Overpopulation of space debris causing cascading collisions.
- Reduction of Orbital Slots: 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.
