Satellite Pollution

In February 2009, a major collision occurred between two communications satellites in the Earth’s orbit. The collision involved one American, Iridium 33 (owned by Iridium Satellite) and the other Russian, Kosmos 2251 (owned by the Russian Space Forces). Both satellites were destroyed upon impact, propelling hundreds of pieces of satellite wreckage into orbit. Even though the American satellite was operational, it is interesting to note that the Russian satellite had been out of service since 1995.
Satellite wreckage creates orbital debris. Orbital debris creates satellite pollution. Consequently, this recent collision has brought to the forefront the issue of satellite pollution and the hazards created by orbital debris. There have been other satellite collisions previously, most of them smaller in scope. Collectively, all these collisions have left an accumulation of thousands of speeding debris in space that cannot be controlled.
There are numerous satellites in orbit, including earth-tracking, weather, nuclear, or unmanned satellites owned by nations all over the world. When fragments of debris whirling through space at high speeds are added to the mix, the threat of other collisions is increased. In addition, there is the potential to trigger a chain of collisions. Fragments of debris falling into the Earth’s atmosphere unexpectedly may pose safety problems for aircraft aviation, as well as cause inclement weather conditions, possibly earthquakes. Scientists are keeping a watchful eye on the orbital debris, which could remain in orbit up to 10,000 years!
US Space Surveillance Network, a division of the Department of Defense, is a space tracking network. The job of the Surveillance Network is to regularly monitor and calculate the risk of satellite collision and provide precise warnings to operators when close encounters occur. Its primary focus is the protection of priority spacecraft, which includes military satellites, the International Space Station, and space shuttle launches and their astronauts. The problem is — there is just not enough manpower or computer capabilities to provide this service for all satellites in orbit.
Near-miss satellite collisions are surprising common, occurring numerous times each day. Controlling satellite pollution is a huge challenge facing space experts and scientists internationally.