The element of surprise threatens space satellites

New research shows that the increase in greenhouse gases threatens to reduce the number of satellites that can operate in Earth orbit.

According to a study published in the journal Nature Sustainability on March 10, the “satellite capacity” in low Earth orbit, or the maximum number of satellites operating in these areas, could decrease by 50-65% by 2100, due to the impact of greenhouse gases.

"Our behavior toward greenhouse gases on Earth over the past 100 years is affecting how we operate satellites in the next 100 years," said Richard Linares, associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US and lead author of the study, according to The Hill .

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Mr. Linares and his colleagues determined that carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) and other greenhouse gases could cause the upper atmosphere to shrink. The researchers found that the contraction of the thermosphere - the layer of the atmosphere where the International Space Station operates - caused a sharp decrease in atmospheric density and caused a ripple effect.

This reduction in density reduces “atmospheric drag.” Atmospheric drag is what pulls old satellites and other debris, also known as “space junk,” down to altitudes where they burn up. With less drag, space junk can linger longer before burning up, polluting low Earth orbit and increasing the risk of collisions with active satellites.

The growing number of satellites, driven by demand for internet and other uses, also poses a risk of collisions and debris that could linger for decades, according to the research team. There are currently more than 10,000 satellites operating in low Earth orbit.

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Scientists analyzed the amount of space debris and the threat of satellite collisions to determine the future capacity of the low Earth orbit region. The study showed that launching satellites into orbit beyond their capacity would risk creating uncontrolled instability, and a series of satellite collisions would further narrow the space for satellites to operate safely.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/yeu-to-bat-ngo-de-doa-den-ve-tinh-khong-gian-185250311100233572.htm