SpaceX Star satellites responsible for over half of close encounters in orbit, scientist says

[admin]

SpaceX's Star satellites are involved in about 1,600 close encounters between two spacecraft in low Earth orbit every week, according to available data. That’s about 50% of all such incidents.

SpaceX Star satellites responsible for over half of close encounters in orbit, scientist says : Read more

 

[Lariliss]

Having 20k+ junk pieces already on the orbit for all the time, it looks inevitable as a result of Starlink, sending 15k and preparing twice more.

There must be mitigation points behind:

1. Where the collision numbers become critical to hold on new launches.
2. Automatic manoeuvring systems continuous calibration.
3. Emergency actions for the critical collisions that might happen.

When the goal is set and approved, permission is there.

Space junk is the hazard problem that has been there for decades, and nowadays with the space exploration boost only we try to surpass it.

 

[Hayseed]

This problem has no pizzazz. It can't compete with pandemics, climate change, migration and social justice. These problems too are man made.

Evidently, many experts don't foresee a problem, because many more are scheduled to go up.

The best educated people in the world are doing these things.

Do we need to worry?

 

[Lariliss]

Staying on a positive side.

1. Humanity would not be where it is now without an intrinsic strive for exploration. We might go extinct (at least partially) in small tribal clashes, natural disasters, starving without exploration and cooperation.
2. Space exploration and the benefits that are aimed at it are logical from the point (1). Information gathering is precious. Global network for society is sometimes vital. One of the best internet achievements is education, which is one of the keys of social stability and even survival.