Russian and US satellites collide

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Registered: 03-18-2000
Russian and US satellites collide
Thu, 02-12-2009 - 9:28am

US and Russian communications satellites have collided in space in what is thought to be the biggest incident of its kind to date.


Iridium


Iridium spacecraft provide satellite phone services

The US commercial Iridium spacecraft hit a defunct Russian satellite at an altitude of about 800km (500 miles) over Siberia on Tuesday, Nasa said.
The risk to the International Space Station and a shuttle launch planned for later this month is said to be low.


The impact produced a cloud of debris, which will be tracked into the future.


Since the Soviets launched Sputnik in 1957, it is estimated about 6,000 satellites have been put in orbit.


Satellite operators are all too aware that the chances of a collision are increasing.


More... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7885051.stm


Sat collision highlights growing threat


Space debris (Esa)


There are some 17,000 man-made objects orbiting our planet


The collision between a US and Russian satellite in space highlights the growing importance of monitoring objects in orbit.

More... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7885750.stm?lss


Photobucket   The WeatherPixie 




Edited 2/12/2009 9:34 am ET by libraone

 


Photobucket&nbs