Articles tagged with "space-debris"
Earthquake detectors can accurately track space debris falling to Earth
Scientists have developed a novel method to track space debris reentering Earth’s atmosphere by using existing global earthquake detector networks to monitor the sonic booms generated as debris travels at hypersonic speeds. Space debris, which moves several times faster than sound, creates shockwaves similar to those from supersonic jets. By analyzing data from seismometers activated by these shockwaves, researchers can reconstruct the debris’ trajectory and more accurately estimate its landing location. This approach was demonstrated by tracking debris from China’s Shenzhou-15 spacecraft, which reentered in April 2024, flying at speeds between Mach 25 and 30 and landing about 25 miles north of predictions made by US Space Command radar data. The method, developed by Benjamin Fernando of Johns Hopkins University and Constantinos Charalambous of Imperial College London, addresses the growing challenge of space debris, which poses increasing risks due to the rising number of satellites and payloads in orbit. Traditional radar tracking can have errors of thousands of
materialsspace-debrisseismometersonic-boom-detectionEarth-atmospheresatellite-collisiondebris-trackingChina flags safety fears over Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network
China has expressed serious safety, security, and legal concerns over the rapid expansion of commercial satellite networks, particularly targeting Elon Musk’s Starlink constellation, during a recent informal United Nations Security Council meeting convened by Russia. Beijing highlighted that the proliferation of large satellite constellations, especially those operated predominantly by a single country, is outpacing existing international regulations and straining shared orbital and frequency resources. China warned that this situation significantly increases the risk of collisions and space debris, which endangers all space-faring nations, especially those with limited tracking and maneuvering capabilities. Specifically, China cited incidents involving Starlink satellites, including two close approaches to China’s space station in 2021 that forced evasive maneuvers by astronauts, and a recent satellite breakup in December 2023 that generated over one hundred debris fragments. Beyond physical safety, China raised concerns about the militarization of commercial satellites, noting their use in reconnaissance and battlefield communications, which blurs the line between civilian and military activities
IoTsatellite-technologyspace-safetyStarlinkspace-debriscommercial-satellitesspace-regulation'Design for demise' satellites emit ozone-depleting aluminum: Study
A recent study by researchers at MaiaSpace, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, reveals that the widely adopted “Design for Demise” (D4D) protocol for satellites, which ensures spacecraft burn up completely upon re-entry to minimize ground risk, is inadvertently harming the stratospheric ozone layer. As satellites re-enter the atmosphere and disintegrate, they release aluminum oxide nanoparticles—a byproduct of ablating aluminum components—that catalyze harmful chemical reactions between atmospheric chlorine and ozone. This pollution has reportedly increased eightfold over six years, posing a growing threat to the planet’s natural UV shield. The researchers advocate for a “Design for Non-Demise” (D4ND) approach, where satellites are engineered to survive re-entry and perform controlled descents into remote ocean areas, thereby preventing the release of toxic atmospheric particles. While this method could protect the ozone layer and maintain ground safety, it requires satellites to be more robust, heavier, and equipped with advanced propulsion systems, leading to higher launch
materialssatellitesaerospaceatmospheric-pollutionaluminum-oxideenvironmental-impactspace-debrisSwiss scientists X-ray satellite to build better reusable designs
Swiss researchers at Empa’s Center for X-Ray Analytics have conducted a comprehensive X-ray analysis of the EUropean REtrievable CArrier (EURECA), a reusable satellite launched by NASA’s Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1992 and returned to Earth intact in 1993. Collaborating with the Swiss Space Center and the Swiss Museum of Transport, the team used high-energy X-rays to non-destructively image the entire satellite, revealing defects such as cracks in composite struts and fractures in scientific instruments. Their findings, published in Acta Astronautica, span from structural to nanometer-scale material investigations. This study is significant in the context of increasing interest in reusable space technologies, as nearly 15,000 satellites orbit Earth, many launched via partially reusable rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The researchers believe their X-ray method can identify weak points in satellites caused by space radiation, temperature fluctuations, and micrometeoroid impacts, thereby informing more durable designs. They
materialssatellite-technologyreusable-satellitespace-debrisX-ray-analysiscomposite-materialsspace-engineeringTesla hit by object from sky, could be world-first meteorite car strike
A veterinarian in South Australia, Dr. Andrew Melville-Smith, experienced a rare incident when his Tesla Model Y was struck by an unidentified object while driving on the Augusta Highway. The impact caused a loud explosion, shattered glass inside the car, white smoke, and partial melting of the car’s windscreen. Despite the damage and injury from glass fragments, the Tesla, operating in self-driving mode, did not detect the impact or stop. The South Australian Museum has launched an investigation, considering the possibility that the object was a meteorite, which, if confirmed, could be the first recorded case of a meteorite hitting a moving vehicle. The museum’s mineralogist, Kieran Meaney, noted the unusual melting of the windscreen glass, indicating intense heat, and plans to analyze the glass for embedded particles to determine the object's origin. However, alternative explanations such as falling space debris or aircraft-related objects are also being considered. Several experts remain skeptical about the meteorite theory, citing the absence
Teslaself-driving-carmeteorite-impactautomotive-safetymaterials-analysisspace-debrisSouth-Australian-MuseumElon Musk’s Starlink fleet is burning up in orbit, scientists say
Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellite constellation is experiencing an unprecedented rate of satellite deorbiting, with up to four satellites burning up daily in Earth’s atmosphere as of 2025. Astronomer Jonathan McDowell notes that this number could rise to five per day as the network expands. While the fiery reentries have sparked public concern, scientists emphasize that Starlink satellites are designed to fully disintegrate upon reentry, posing no direct threat to people on the ground. Currently, about 8,500 Starlink satellites operate within a total of 12,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit, most with a lifespan of roughly five years. The primary safety concern lies not with Starlink’s controlled reentries but with uncontrolled debris from defunct satellites and rocket stages, which can survive reentry and potentially land on Earth. As the number of satellites grows, so does the risk of collisions and space debris fallout. Additionally, researchers are investigating the environmental impact of the materials released
IoTsatellitesspace-debrisStarlinkSpaceXsatellite-technologyorbital-energy-managementScientists test detector to help spacecraft dodge orbital debris
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed and successfully tested a new micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) detection and characterization system designed to help spacecraft detect and respond to collisions with space debris. The system, which can be mounted externally or integrated into spacecraft, uses sensors combined with structural elements to record impact events and analyze debris speed, size, and material composition. This capability allows spacecraft operators to receive early warnings of impacts—even those causing no visible damage—enabling better damage assessment and informing future spacecraft design improvements. To validate the system, SwRI researchers used a light gas gun to simulate high-velocity debris impacts in a vacuum chamber, replicating realistic orbital collision conditions. The tests confirmed the device’s ability to detect impact timing, location, and debris characteristics accurately. Beyond individual spacecraft protection, the technology could contribute to an early-warning network where satellites share impact data, potentially allowing nearby spacecraft to maneuver and avoid further collisions. SwRI aims to further develop the system for space
space-debrisorbital-debris-detectionspacecraft-safetysatellite-protectionmicrometeoroid-detectionspace-technologysensor-systemsChina unveils space-debris catcher with possible military use
Chinese researchers have developed a novel space-debris catcher that uses a closed-gas, energy-absorbing launcher to quietly propel a net-carrying capsule toward orbital debris. Unlike traditional guns, this device produces no smoke, flash, or significant vibration, enabling precise operation without destabilizing the host spacecraft. The launcher employs a gunpowder charge to generate high-pressure gas that drives a piston, with a specially designed angled ring absorbing recoil to minimize barrel displacement and prevent contamination of the space environment. Its primary purpose is to capture and remove space debris by enveloping it in a net and guiding it to burn up upon reentry, addressing the growing threat posed by defunct satellites and spent rocket stages. While the official mission is debris removal, analysts highlight the launcher’s potential military applications, such as covertly disabling adversary satellites without visible signs of attack, which could appear as natural failures to outside observers. This capability raises concerns amid increasing geopolitical competition in space, especially since the 1967 Outer Space
energyspace-technologysatellitespace-debrispropulsion-systemaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technology