Two satellites can collide over Pennsylvania: is there a danger to residents

On Wednesday, January 29, two decommissioned satellites may collide over Pittsburgh, PA. Fox Business with reference to the space debris tracking team at LeoLabs, Inc.

Фото: Depositphotos

Satellites were identified as the decommissioned IRAS space telescope (13777), first launched in 1983, and the “US experimental payload” GGSE-4 (2828), launched in 1967.

The announcement was made on Monday afternoon, January 27, on the space group’s Twitter account. LeoLabs representatives write that they are tracking the “approaching event” and that the satellites will be traveling at a speed of about 9,1 miles per second (14,7 km per second) at an altitude of 559,2 miles (900 km) above Pittsburgh.

Photo: twitter.com/LeoLabs_Space

“On January 29 at 23:39:35 UTC, these two objects will pass next to each other at a relative speed of 14,7 km/s (900 km directly over Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania),” LeoLabs noted in a second tweet. “Our latest figures show the predicted miss distance is 15-30 metres.”

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LeoLabs highlighted the size of the IRAS satellite as a cause for concern, as it is 11,8 by 10,6 by 6,7 feet (3,6 by 3,2 by 2 meters). In addition, the IRAS weighs more than a ton, so any impact, if any, can be significant. GGSE-4 is much smaller compared to it and weighs about 10 pounds (4,5 kg).

Photo: twitter.com/LeoLabs_Space

Like decommissioned spacecraft, satellites are not connected to a space station, which makes it almost impossible for human intervention to prevent potential collisions.

“The combined size of both objects increases the calculated probability of collision, which remains around 1 in 100,” LeoLabs wrote in a follow-up tweet. “Events like this highlight the need for responsible and timely deorbiting of satellites to ensure future space sustainability.”

Photo: twitter.com/LeoLabs_Space

Space experts have contributed to the validity of LeoLabs claims.

Space archaeologist Alice Gorman of Flinders University in Australia told Science Alert that a collision between two satellites could lead to large amounts of space debris.

“Such clashes have certainly happened in the past,” she explained. “The really interesting thing is that the estimated passage within 15-30 meters is incredibly small. Spacecraft maneuvered to avoid collisions with objects within 37 miles (60 kilometers). And this is really a very close acquaintance.”

“I would say this is one of the most dangerous potential collisions we've seen in some time,” Gorman added.

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Despite this statement, Gorman noted that a satellite collision is unlikely to harm Pittsburgh residents because of its speed.

“They will collide at incredibly high speeds. Most likely, the smaller satellite will completely break up into smaller fragments,” she explained.

However, an increase in space debris means an increased "risk of collision with a functioning satellite." If part of the debris is not cleared over the next decade, launching satellites for space operations will become more difficult.

The news came a few days after reports that a DirectTV satellite manufactured by Boeing were in danger of exploding due to a battery malfunction. Both companies are working on decommissioning the satellite until February 25.

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