This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. (Picture credit: DALL-E)
Space debris
is becoming a pressing issue as Earth’s orbit grows increasingly crowded. Experts warn that this congestion could trigger a dangerous scenario known as the
Kessler Syndrome
.
Kessler Syndrome, which is described as a chain reaction in Earth’s orbit where collisions between satellites and other debris create more fragments, leading to an exponential increase in
space junk
. This cascading effect could render Earth’s orbit unusable for satellites or
space exploration
.
Proposed by American astrophysicist Donald Kessler in 1978, the concept highlights the dangers of unchecked
orbital congestion
. While dramatised in the 2013 film Gravity, experts believe a real-life Kessler event would unfold over years or decades rather than hours, reported CNN.
How did we get here?
Since the dawn of space exploration in the 1950s, over 50,000 tons of material have been launched into orbit, according to the
European Space Agency
(ESA).
By September 2024, about 13,000 tons of this mass remained in orbit, including active and defunct satellites. The proliferation of satellite constellations, like SpaceX’s Starlink, has accelerated the problem.
Why is space junk dangerous?
Orbital debris travels at high speeds, making even small fragments capable of causing catastrophic damage. The
International Space Station
(ISS) has performed 39 manoeuvres to avoid collisions since 1999, with the most recent in November 2024, as per
Nasa data cited by USA Today.
Larger incidents highlight the risks. In 2009, a defunct Russian satellite collided with an active US satellite, creating thousands of debris pieces, according to CNN. Similar events, coupled with explosions and weapons tests, continue to add to the problem.
Preventing the syndrome
Efforts to mitigate space debris focus on cleanup and regulation.
Cleanup technology : Experimental methods, such as ESA’s Drag Augmentation Deorbiting Subsystem (ADEO), aim to drag debris out of orbit. However, these technologies remain costly and are not widely implemented.- Regulation: International agreements, like the UN’s Pact for the Future, emphasise global cooperation. National regulations and industry norms are also seen as critical for fostering responsible behaviour in space.
While the severity and timing of Kessler Syndrome remain debated, experts agree on the urgency of addressing space debris.
CNN quoted Dr Nilton Renno of the University of Michigan, who likens the issue to plastic pollution in Earth’s oceans, emphasising that proactive measures are essential to prevent irreversible damage to our orbital environment.
I’m Manas Ranjan Sahoo: Founder of “Webtirety Software”. I’m a Full-time Software Professional and an aspiring entrepreneur, dedicated to growing this platform as large as possible. I love to Write Blogs on Software, Mobile applications, Web Technology, eCommerce, SEO, and about My experience with Life.
