When Satellites Collide

A functioning Iridium telecommunications satellite and a spent Russian satellite have collided in space, about 430 miles out from Earth, destroying both satellites and creating a huge cloud of orbital debris that could potentially affect other satellites. There is only a very small chance the debris could threaten ISS.

Of course, there was only a very small chance of two satellites crashing into each other. The collision highlights the growing problem of orbital debris around Earth. Suggestions for dealing with the situation have included mandating that satellites be de-orbited at the end of their service. Such a provision may have avoided this collision, and would be helpful in the future, but there would still be the defunct satellites and spacecraft parts currently orbiting Earth. Hopefully, a solution will be found before a real tragedy occurs.