Soviet satellite breaks apart in low-Earth orbit
An inactive Soviet weather satellite disintegrated above Earth. The breakup added dozens of debris fragments to an already congested orbit.
Why it matters
The event highlights growing risks from space debris in low-Earth orbit.
debris threatens satellites
The debris poses a risk to active satellites and future launches in the same orbit.
Common questions
what was the satellite's original purpose?
It was an inactive Soviet weather satellite.
Sources
- Another satellite breakup raises concerns about space junk By Kelly Kizer Whitt, EarthSky · earthsky.org
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