A defunct Russian satellite, the RESURS-P1 Russian Earth observation satellite, broke apart in orbit on June 26, 2024, generating over 100 pieces of debris and prompting astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to seek shelter for about an hour. The cause of the breakup is currently unknown but has added to the growing concern about space junk in Earth's orbit.
Credit: ESA/ID&Sense/ONiRiXEL
The RESURS-P1 satellite was declared dead in 2022 but remained in orbit until its recent breakup. The debris cloud passed by the ISS during the hour-long shelter, but U.S. Space Command confirmed that there was no immediate threat to other satellites.
Chinese as well as Russian anti-satellite missile test in 2007 and 2021, which created thousands of orbital debris pieces, has also contributed to this concern.
This event highlights the increasing congestion in Earth's orbit due to satellite networks essential for daily life, including broadband internet, communications, and navigation services. The growing amount of space debris poses a significant risk to operational satellites and the environment and possibly cause an extreme scenario called Kessler syndrome. Kessler Syndrome, also known as the Kessler Effect, is a theoretical scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) becomes so high that collisions between objects could cause a cascade of further collisions, leading to a catastrophic increase in debris and rendering LEO unusable for generations.
The concept was first proposed by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978. Kessler suggested that as the number of satellites in LEO increases, so does the risk of collisions, which could generate a large amount of debris. This debris could then cause further collisions, leading to a chain reaction of
events that could make LEO impassable.
A computer simulation made by the Institute for Air and Spacesystems at the Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany, shows the distribution and movement of space debris at present and in future. Image Credit: AP / TU Braunschweig
The syndrome is a concern because LEO is a critical region for space exploration and development, with many satellites operating in this zone, including those used for communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and Earth observation.
Key aspects of Kessler Syndrome:
- Collision risk: The likelihood of collisions increases as the number of objects in LEO grows.
- Debris generation: Collisions produce fragments that can become hazardous debris.
- Cascade effect: A single collision can trigger a chain reaction of further collisions.
- LEO saturation: The region becomes impassable due to excessive debris.
Prevention and mitigation strategies:
- Responsible satellite design and operation
- Debris removal and disposal
- Collision avoidance maneuvers
- International regulations and guidelines
The fate of dead satellites like RESURS-P1 typically involves remaining in orbit until they re-enter Earth's atmosphere or moving to a "graveyard orbit" farther away from active satellites. The decommissioning of RESURS-P1 in 2021 due to on board equipment failures emphasizes the need for responsible satellite management as our reliance on space-based technologies grows.
The breakup of the RESURS-P1 satellite underscores the urgent need for addressing space debris concerns and avoiding Kessler Syndrome. It highlights the importance of sustainable space practices and responsible management of LEO to ensure the long-term viability of space exploration and development.
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