A new radar system called EISCAT 3D is being developed in the Nordic region to track and monitor space debris, which poses a growing threat to satellites.
Space debris, remnants of human activity in space, poses a significant risk to satellites due to potential collisions, a phenomenon known as the Kessler syndrome. This chain reaction from collisions not only creates new fragments but can also make orbits unusable, complicating space navigation and increasing the potential for costly damage.
Currently, there are approximately 1.2 million objects in space the size of centimeters, with about 40,000 cataloged in existing databases. Researchers, such as Johan Kero from the Institute of Space Physics in Kiruna, emphasize the dangerous speeds of these debris items, which can reach tens of thousands of kilometers per hour. This velocity means even small pieces can possess enough energy to destroy a satellite upon impact, escalating the urgency of developing monitoring systems.
The introduction of the EISCAT 3D radar system marks a significant advancement in tracking space debris, consisting of thousands of directed antennas that will monitor the locations and movements of space debris across various orbits. This system aims to improve safety for existing satellites and future space missions, while also helping to mitigate the ongoing issue of space sustainability as human activity in low Earth orbit continues to expand.
