Space highway crowded: Two major satellites collide

William Atkins
Friday, 13 February 2009 21:42

Science - Space

However, until one or more of these ventures are developed and carried out, the amount of space debris orbiting the Earth along with our space shuttles, International Space Station, and other manned and unmanned vehicles will steadily increase and increase and increase....

We'll probably finally do something about it AFTER someone gets seriously injured or killed from it. Doesn't it usually happen that way!

NOTE: Just as I am writing this article the Secure World Foundation (SWF), based on this collision in space, is calling for the need to establish a civil space traffic control system.

Please read more about the story at NewsWise.com, in its story "Satellite Collision: Urgent Call for Action."

Brian Weeden, technical consultant for SWF, states within the article: “Unfortunately, it appears that there was data warning about the possibility of this collision beforehand."

"However, it must be stressed that close approaches between satellites somewhere in Earth orbit occurs on almost a weekly basis…and until this event, have never before resulted in an actual collision.”

Weeden adds, “Getting the right information to the right authorities in time to make the right avoidance maneuver decision is a very complicated process that doesn't entirely exist yet."

He concludes, “The Secure World Foundation is working with many other organizations around the world to try and develop this process.”

The Secure World Foundation, according to its website, is a "... private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples. The Foundation engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that help achieve the secure, sustainable and peaceful uses of outer space with efficient and effective global systems of governance."