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Space Debris

More than 9,000 pieces of space debris are orbiting the Earth, a hazard that can only be expected to get worse in the next few years, according to NASA scientists.

The pieces of space junk measuring 4 inches or more total some 5,500 tons, according to a report.

Even if space launches were halted now the collection of debris would continue growing as items already in orbit collide with one another and break into more pieces.

The most debris-crowded area is between 550 miles and 625 miles above the Earth, meaning the risk is less for manned flights. The international space station operates at about 250 miles altitude and space shuttle flights tend to range between 250 miles and 375 miles. But the growing collection of junk can pose a risk to commercial and research flights and other space activities.

Much of the debris results from explosions of satellites, especially old upper stages left in orbit with leftover fuel and high pressure fluids.

A 2004 NASA report identified Russia as the source of the largest number of debris items, closely followed by the United States. Other sources were France, China, India, Japan and the European Space Agency.

posted by: kyawoo at 21:21 | link | comments |
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