Soviet Meteor 2-7 Satellite Fragments Again, Highlighting Rising Orbital Debris Risks
The Soviet-era Meteor 2-7 weather satellite, launched in 1981, has fragmented for the second time in low Earth orbit. Detected by LeoLabs in October 2026, the event produced tens of new debris pieces at an altitude of 530 miles. Experts warn this is part of a worrying trend, as tracked orbital debris has increased by 180% since 2005, raising collision risks for active spacecraft.