The exponential increase in satellites in Earth orbit has increased the risk of collisions between them. It should also not be forgotten that space debris has become a serious problem for the most important space agencies in the world. However, the tension increases when this debris is generated after a space test that endangers the satellites of other countries.
During this week, China reported that debris from a Russian test was about to hit a scientific satellite from the Asian country. According to the report of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the situation arose on January 18.
To understand how this dangerous event came about, you have to go back a couple of months. During November 2021, Russia launched a missile to destroy Cosmos, a satellite of its property that was put into orbit in 1982. However, it had not operated for some time, which is why they decided to destroy it .
China assures that some debris passed just 14.5 meters from its satellite, so the risk of collision was quite high. The data shared by the aforementioned agency reveal that the objects were traveling at an approximate speed of 18,800 km / h. At these speeds, they are practically projectiles.
In statements collected by the Daily Mail, Liu Jing, deputy director of the CNSA Space Debris Monitoring Center, warned that Cosmos debris will continue to cause problems in the coming years, even decades. In fact, it is likely that a collision with its satellite will occur in the future.
“Currently, they are keeping a safe distance, but the possibility of these approaching in the future cannot be ruled out. If so, we need to quickly notify our satellites and do some evasive maneuvers in advance to avoid debris. This is the method.” more feasible today,” said Jing.
The United States also raised its voice
This is not the first time Russia's actions have raised concerns. In November, the United States warned that 1,500 pieces of the Cosmos satellite are orbiting the Earth, being the largest cloud of space debris caused since 2007 —by China, curiously—. They described it as an irresponsible act, and added:
“We urge all responsible space nations to join us in efforts to develop standards of responsible behavior and to refrain from destructive, dangerous and irresponsible tests such as those carried out by Russia.”
Antony Blinken, United States Secretary of State
