A Chinese rocket stage has broken apart in space, creating a cloud of over 700 debris pieces and putting more than 1,000 satellites and other objects in Earth's orbit at risk of collision, according to analysts.
The incident occurred after the launch of 18 internet satellites by China's state-owned Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). This launch marked the inaugural batch of a communications network intended to rival SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
The upper stage of the rocket, which carried the satellites into orbit, exploded shortly after deploying its payloads.
US space-tracking firms initially estimated the debris count at over 300 pieces, but recent assessments suggest the number could exceed 900. The debris cloud, located at an altitude of approximately 800 kilometers, is expected to persist for several years, posing a significant risk to other objects in low Earth orbit.
The cause of the breakup remains unclear, with possibilities including a collision with another object or an onboard explosion of unused rocket fuel.
Audrey Schaffer, vice president of strategy at Slingshot Aerospace, highlighted the threat posed by the debris, noting over 1,100 predicted close encounters with other objects in the coming days.
While some active spacecraft can maneuver to avoid collisions, many uncontrollable pieces of space junk remain at risk, raising concerns about potential cascading collisions.
China's foreign ministry, responding to the development, said that the space agency is closely monitoring the relevant orbital areas and conducting data analysis.
"As a responsible major country, China attaches great importance to space debris mitigation, actively fulfils relevant international obligations in outer space activities, regulates its own space activities, requires the implementation of space debris mitigation measures after satellites and launch vehicles complete their missions, promotes the protection of the outer space environment, and maintains the long-term sustainability of outer space activities," the foreign ministry statement read.
This incident is not isolated, as a similar event involving a Long March 6A rocket occurred in 2022, generating hundreds of debris pieces. Such events have drawn criticism from Western countries and space sustainability advocates, urging China to improve its space debris management practices.
The growing debris field underscores the importance of adhering to space debris mitigation guidelines and enhancing space domain awareness.
As the number of satellites and debris in orbit increases, the risk of collisions and the potential for a cascading effect, known as Kessler Syndrome, becomes more pronounced.
Experts emphasise the need for robust tracking and cataloging systems to manage the crowded space environment effectively.
Source: India Today