What is Kessler Syndrome and the potential consequences for Earth of

The Brief

Space objects in orbit total more than 13,000 tons as of September 2024
International Space Station performed 39 debris avoidance maneuvers since 1999
European Space Agency aims to nearly eliminate space junk by 2030

LOS ANGELES – Space debris threatens the future of space travel as thousands of defunct satellites and fragments circle Earth at dangerous speeds, experts warn.

Of 19,590 satellites launched since 1957, about 13,230 remain in orbit – but only 10,200 still function, the European Space Agency reported in September 2024.

Table of Contents

Why space junk threatens Earth

The International Space Station dodged space debris 39 times since 1999, including multiple maneuvers in 2024, NASA reports. Some debris even reaches Earth – a Florida family recently filed an $80,000 claim after space station debris damaged their home.

What is Kessler Syndrome

Named after former NASA scientist Donald Kessler, who identified the threat in 1978, Kessler Syndrome describes a chain reaction where orbiting debris creates more debris through collisions.

The phenomenon could make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable for space travel. A 2009 incident demonstrated this risk when two satellites collided over Siberia, creating a new field of debris, the American Scientist reported.

How space became a junkyard

Spacefaring nations launched about 50,000 tons of material into orbit since the 1950s. Defunct satellites, spent rocket boosters and even lost astronaut tools create a growing hazard above Earth.

<div>FILE – In this handout provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), back dropped by planet Earth the International Space Station (ISS) is seen from NASA space shuttle Endeavour after the station and shuttle began their post-undocking relative separation May 29, 2011 in space.</div>
<p>” loading=”lazy” width=”960″ height=”540″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”rounded-lg” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/TT4ijZq1tCrluQaWl71x4A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/livenow_fox_840/4bfca75ffdfcaec795e461985be15cc8″><button aria-label= — FILE – In this handout provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), back dropped by planet Earth the International Space Station (ISS) is seen from NASA space shuttle Endeavour after the station and shuttle began their post-undocking relative separation May 29, 2011 in space.

What happens if nothing changes

“We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space, but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow,” Holger Krag, ESA’s head of Space Safety, said in a recent statement.

What space agencies plan to do

The European Space Agency adopted the Zero Debris Charter, aiming to nearly eliminate space junk by 2030. NASA and other space organizations worldwide now take more concrete actions to address the hazard.

The Source

Information from NASA, the European Space Agency, and USA Today reporting on space debris impacts and prevention efforts.

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