2.8 Days to Disaster: Scientists Warn Low Earth Orbit Could Suddenly Collapse

2.8 Days to Disaster: Scientists Warn Low Earth Orbit Could Suddenly Collapse

A new study warns that if satellite operators suddenly lose control during a major disruption, a catastrophic collision in orbit could happen in as little as 2.8 days. A major solar storm does not need to smash satellites apart directly to create a crisis in orbit. It may only need to interrupt the tracking, commands, [...]

How fast can low Earth orbit collapse?

What the study warns A new analysis says that low Earth orbit (LEO) could experience a runaway chain of events after a major disruption—if satellite operators suddenly lose control of their spacecraft. The paper’s key estimate is that catastrophic collisions could begin within about 2.8 days .…