Space junk forces more satellite dodges, risking climate science data
TL;DR
Space debris in low Earth orbit is increasing, forcing satellites to perform more collision-avoidance maneuvers. Each maneuver uses fuel and can degrade data from climate-observing satellites (Aqua, Terra, Aura), potentially erasing long-running climate records. As debris grows, collision risk rises and insurability drops, pressuring public agencies and private operators to safeguard vital science data.
- Space debris is forcing satellites to dodge more often — costing us vital science. 'Things will get worse before they get better' Space
- Falling space debris poses an escalating risk as spacecraft get stronger and more heat resistant The Conversation
- Almost half of the objects in Earth’s orbit are junk—and that’s only the stuff we know about Scientific American
- The material science behind a spacecraft's impact armor Phys.org
- Almost half of everything orbiting Earth is space junk Popular Science
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