Derelict satellites pass within 1,000 kilometers of each other 1,000 times a year, and any collision would instantly double the amount of space debris. A space rush is filling up orbit with unregulated satellites, mostly from private companies, and we need better protections https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/there-is-too-much-trash-in-space/
@laurahelmuth as is usually the case, actions will only take place after a very public, very expensive loss of space asset by a piece of space debris.
@laurahelmuth is "within 1000 km" considered collision range for satellites? That seems like a huge distance apart...
@Amoshias @laurahelmuth
We keep adding them, so it's bound to get closer and closer, plus I guess debris if a collision occur one way or another don't really have a chosen orbit and may get closer
"humans, galactic rednecks" - the reason intelligent aliens keep their distance
@laurahelmuth I think what's missing is a mandatory bond that'll pay for the recovery of all objects shot into orbit...
@laurahelmuth That is what undeserved billionaires do: Make trash everywhere. Solve your billionaire problem and your space trash problem is solved.
@laurahelmuth six more companies like Starlink are planning on releasing a pile of satellites? And Musk even more? soooo... We get to witness the destruction of near Earth orbit by capitalism in real time?
@laurahelmuth
A decent amount of that Space Debris cloud is Musk's gawdawful #Starlink micro-satellites.
@laurahelmuth @toxi Crapalism®, space edition™
at least we'll cordon ourselves off from the possibility of infecting the rest of the galaxy with it as well
@laurahelmuth here's my interview with @sundogplanets about Starlink and the possibility of Kessler Syndrome: https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/136860
(click Pop-up player - interview starts at 6:56)
This and more Techtonic interviews at https://techtonic.fm