The defunct RESURS-P1 Russian Earth observation satellite has broken up into pieces, adding to the mass of space debris in orbit.

About Space Debris (Space Junk) 

• Defined as all non-functional, artificial objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering into Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Maximum debris concentrations can be noted at altitudes of 800-1000 km, and near 1400 km (mainly in Lower Earth Orbits (LEO)).
• Key Sources: Majority of debris objects originate from on-orbit break-ups as well as on-orbit collisions.
  • Space debris also originates from spent rocket stages, and use of space-based weapons (such as Anti-satellite missile). 

Risks associated with Space Debris

• Operational risks: Space debris objects can cause harm to operational spacecrafts and satellites.
  • Risk will be further aggravated by the Kessler syndrome. 
    • Kessler syndrome is a phenomenon in which the density of objects in the LEO grows leads to collision, triggering a chain reaction that generates more space debris and further collisions.
• Threat to astronauts’ lives: Due to the rate of speed and volume of debris in LEO, poses threat to astronauts living in the International Space Station (ISS).
• Rising cost of maintaining satellites in Space: Space agencies have to undertake Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAMs).