More than 7,000 satellites have been launched into Earth’s orbit for 60 years, but now only one-third are still functioning. The remaining satellites have ceased functioning, and have become space junk.
A new question arises. can space junk be cleaned up?
As cited from amp.dw, garbage in the form of fractions of satellites or other objects launched into space are similar to the phenomenon of space itself.
We know, the object is in the sky. But how much, no one knows. European space agency ESA’s datap pointed that since 6,600 satellites have been launched since 1957. Moreover, there are more 29,000 objects measuring more 10 centimeters in Earth orbit.
It is feared that there will be a collision hazard, due to fracture of the satellite, because the diameter of one centimeter alone is a danger threat. Because the spacecraft waste space moving at speeds up to 40,000 km per hour.
“A fractional collision of an object the size of a coffee bean at such a high speed with a satellite, has the equivalent impact force of a grenade,” said the astronaut, quoting the page.
Astronaut also said it would be a real threat if space junk if size is large enough, when re-enter the atmosphere, the object is not burned out.
This satellite section (pictured) fortunately fell into a sparsely populated desert area. If it hit the denser area, it could be ascertained the loss of life.