| February 12, 2009 |  |
Colliding Satellites: More Space Junk In Exactly the Wrong Place
U.S. space tracking system identifies more than 600 pieces of debris that threaten other satellites in region
Two days ago two satellites collided over Northern Siberia. David Wright, the co-director of the Union of Concerned Scientists' Global Security Program and a nationally recognized satellite expert, points out in a backgrounder posted today on UCS's Web site that this collision will significantly increase the amount of debris in an area of space that is the most crowded and has the greatest risk of collisions.
"The debris cloud created by this week's collision, which took place at an altitude of 500 miles (800 kilometers), is akin to a shotgun blast that threatens other satellites in the region," he writes. He noted that it is the same region of space where China destroyed a defunct Chinese weather satellite with an anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon in January 2007, which also generated a massive amount of debris.
For a pdf of the four-page backgrounder, go to: www.ucsusa.org/satellitecollision.
Dr. Wright is available for comment. Call Elliott Negin at 202-331-5439 to set up an interview.
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
