What began as a theoretical warning in the 70s, today seems to charge real in the heavens over us. Scientists specialized in space garbage ensure that the planet has entered the initial stage of a catastrophic phenomenon that could limit our ability to launch satellites or explore space. This process, known as Kessler syndrome, could radically alter the future of communication, science and technology.
What is Kessler syndrome and why is it so dangerous
For decades, specialists have been warning about the uncontrolled increase in space garbage. Kessler’s syndrome, proposed by NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton Cour-Palais in 1978, raises a scenario where the accumulation of objects in the earth’s orbit-between abandoned satellites, remains of rockets and various fragments-triggers a series of successive collisions.
When two objects collide, they fragment in hundreds or thousands of smaller pieces, which in turn have the potential to generate new collisions. This chain reaction could be perpetuated for centuries, forming a waste barrier that makes new satellites or maintain space stations operational.
Although for years it was thought that this scenario was still far, recent observations suggest otherwise: we would already be traveling the first phase of this process.
Alert signals are already present
Darren McKnight, a senior technical expert in the Leolabs company – specialized in space garbage monitoring – warns that the first symptoms of the syndrome are already here. According to their studies, current systems begin to show anomalies and failures, generated by fragments impacts that, although small, can damage active satellites or alter their trajectories.
These dysfunctions not only threaten telecommunications and GPS systems, but also put scientific projects and spatial commercial activities at risk. The progressive accumulation of these remains is so constant that, without a radical change, a point of no return could reach.
John C. Cassidis, NASA collaborator and researcher at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Buffalo, points out that if they continue like this, in 50 to 100 years launching a satellite could cease to be viable. “The low land orbit will become unusable,” he warned.
A technological future at stake
The threat of Kessler syndrome goes far beyond outer space. If this orbital collapse is specified, it will affect multiple essential areas for modern functioning: from weather services to defense systems, air navigation, financial transfers and land observation.
In addition, scientific missions and space trips – each time more frequent by private companies – would also be pause. Humanity, instead of moving towards new cosmic borders, could be forced to look again towards Earth and face the consequences of its space carelessness.
Is there a possible way out?
Some international organizations and private companies have begun to design strategies to mitigate this threat, such as the development of technologies to clean the orbit or the creation of regulations that limit the indiscriminate launch of objects to space. However, experts insist that global cooperation is urgent.
If concrete measures are not taken in the short term, the world runs the risk of technologically retreating to the equivalent of a century ago, losing not only vital tools, but also the possibility of exploring and expanding beyond the planet.
[Fuente: Huffingtonpost]
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