In late February, NASA revealed an incident where a Russian spacecraft and an American satellite nearly collided. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration reported that both space objects came within just 10 meters (approximately 30 feet) of colliding on February 28, which could have resulted in a potentially deadly catastrophe.
The deactivated Russian spacecraft, Cosmos 2221, and NASA’s satellite, Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED), came dangerously close while orbiting Earth. NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said the event “really scared” the space agency’s experts.
NASA knew that these two space objects were going to orbit near each other and were monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Department of Defense. However, they did not expect them to pass so close to each other. NASA explained that the distance of 10 meters was the only thing that prevented a “huge” space tragedy.
“If the two satellites had collided, we would have seen the generation of debris, small fragments traveling at 10,000 miles per hour,” the agency indicated. Near misses and potential collisions are becoming a growing problem due to increased space traffic, fueled by technology startups like SpaceX.
Currently, more than 10,000 satellites orbit Earth, which represents a four-fold increase since 2019, according to NASA. An estimated 400,000 additional satellites have been authorized for launch into low Earth orbit, in addition to the 16,000 inactive satellites already present. The breakdown of these satellites in orbit could create a monumental problem, according to experts.
NASA warns that this problem is so serious that there is not even consensus on the number of debris fragments in orbit due to the existence of multiple models. A single inactive satellite colliding with another spacecraft could set off a disastrous chain reaction in the congested space of low Earth orbit. The resulting debris could collide with other objects in orbit, similar to a traffic accident causing a pile-up.
To prevent such disasters, NASA has implemented its Space Sustainability Strategy, which seeks to improve the mapping and monitoring of all satellites and debris in Earth’s orbit. Additionally, several private companies are developing technologies to capture dying satellites and remove them from orbit.
“Space is busy. We have made life difficult for ourselves and that is why NASA is looking for a path forward that ensures we do the right thing,” the agency explained.
A satellite is an object that moves around a larger body. The Earth is a satellite of the Sun and the Moon is a satellite of the Earth. However, when talking about satellites in general, it refers to artificial satellites created by man, which are launched into space to orbit the Earth or other celestial bodies.
There are thousands of artificial satellites with various functions: some take photographs of the planet, others of other celestial bodies, and many more send television signals and telephone calls around the world. Before the era of satellites, television signals and telephone calls over long distances were complicated and expensive. Now, thanks to satellites, These signals can be easily retransmitted, overcoming obstacles such as mountains and tall buildings.
Additionally, satellites have a clear view of space by flying above clouds and Earth’s air, making it easier for scientists to study the Earth, the solar system, and the universe.
