When buying with links to our articles, it may gain the future and partnership partners in the commission.
More than 46,000 fragments of space debris by width more than 4 inches now the Earth’s orbit is chaos. | Credit: Esa
A new report reveals at least three old satellites or missile bodies belonging to the ground every day.
Experts warn that the number of objects dating back from space is scheduled to increase, and it is a possible source of health Atmosphere And for human safety on Earth.
the Space environment reportI issued it European Space Agency (ESA) on April 1, I found that about 1,200 “healthy beings” re -inserted the atmosphere in 2024, in addition to countless Space shrapnel.
Despite this continuous rain of unwanted multiplication on the atmosphere, the amount of space debris increased over the year 2024, with an estimated 45700 creatures more than 3 inches (10 cm) revolving around the planet. Some new scrap consists of satellites that naturally reached the end of their lives.
Related to: Kisler syndrome and the problem of space debris
But moreover, many collisions and tropical bangs have added at least 3000 new tracks that can be tracked over the year 2024. In addition, there are currently about 9,300 active spacecrafts that revolve around the Earth, and additional releases are still adding more.
Astronomical physicist Jonathan McDawell, the world’s lead expert in space wreckage, told Space.com:
McDowell was not part of the team that collected the report. Astronomical physicist, who maintains signs of a tab close to tropical traffic, said that on the day of the interview (April 4), at least three things returned from space – two of SpacexStarlink satellites and a 43 -year -old Russian satellite called Kosmos 1340. Starlink According to McDool, satellites are the majority of things that return to Earth these days, and their numbers will grow only.
“If Spacex continues with its plans to expand the constellation of the stars to 30,000 satellites, we will look at 15 re -entering a day,” said McDowell. “In addition, Amazon is about to start publishing it Koyber constellation. We also see Chinese project projects Begin to climb. Therefore, in the five years to the next ten years, we will see a similar increase in the number of retired satellites. “
Horoscope operators tend to replace satellites with modern models every five years or so. To prevent more accumulation of space debris, strive to remove all Low Earth orbit (Leo) The satellite from its location within five years of the end of its mission.
However, the amount of space agriculture burning in the upper layers of the atmosphere increases the amount of space agriculture burning in the upper layers of the atmosphere, which worries some atmosphere scientists. Satellites are often made of aluminum, which Aluminum oxide is produced when burned. Scientists have long known that aluminum oxide could accelerate ozone exhaust and contribute to thermal changes in the upper atmosphere.
Eloise Marais, a professor of air chemistry at the University of London College, described the three -day re -entry rate as an “unlimited area” and a “warning” direction.
“The influence on the atmosphere is inevitably greater than it was ever, as more is added. Inventory of emissions From re -inserting the satellite and firing missiles.
In addition to possible environmental effects, the increasing number of satellites may increase to re -enter the risk of some remaining debris on Earth, threatening property and human life. Although the danger of humans is now very low, it will rise with the increasing numbers of re -entry operations.
“Most satellites are completely burning,” said McDowell. “Starlinks is designed specifically for soluble completely unless it was re -entered in a non -standard way. However, for example, Russian Kosmos 1340, which weighs about 2 tons, may have left behind a few pieces that reach the surface of the earth.”
Related to: You find the upper Earth planes from the atmosphere of the burning Earth
Related stories:
– 6 types of organisms that can cause the end of the world to space
– Scientists invite the United Nations to help solve an unwanted problem on Earth
Since most of the Earth’s surface is either covered with peripheral or unmanned land, the chances of a piece of unwanted landing on the head of a person are slim. However, pieces of debris were previously found near human settlements.
In February this year, for example, charred shrapnel from Spacex Falcon 9 rocket Set through parts of Poland and Ukraine. In March 2024, 4 -inch fragments (10 centimeters) of dissolved metal It was penetrated through the ceiling From Florida’s house. The space shell was later identified as the remnants of a battery platform that was thrown from International Space Station Three years ago.
“We are rolling the dice every time we have a return,” said McDowell. “Ultimately, we’ll be fortunate, and someone will be harmed by the fall of the debris.”
The ESA report stated that despite the efforts made to remove old satellites from orbit immediately, there are still many things that are left behind, creating a risk of collision, “the ESA report stated. The European Space Agency said in the report that even if 90 % of the spacecraft are successfully removed, the number of spaces of space debris will continue to grow.
In some LEO parts, the number of functional satellites is now approaching the amount of space debris, as mentioned by the report. In addition to the objects of more than 4 inches in size, which can be tracked from the ground using radars and telescopes, there are about 1.1 million fragmentation between 0.4 and 4 inches and 130 million small bits smaller than 0.4 inches, According to Esa.
