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The Kessler syndrome is a cascade event whereby a collision of space junk with satellites or spacecraft causes more space junk resulting in more collisions. The end result would be large scale destruction of satellites and spacecraft across an orbital zone. The resulting loss of satellites posses widespread risks to safety and the world economy as satellite services such as navigational systems are embedded in a large number of information technologies. The Kessler syndrome would result in an orbital range that is dangerous to spacecraft. Hypothetically, all satellites in the entire range could be destroyed. It would likely take decades to clean up the orbital zone and replace lost satellite networks.
TriggersIt is believed that the Kessler syndrome would most likely be caused by the destruction of a large satellite. Manned spacecraft such as the International Space Station could also trigger the Kessler Syndrome. However, manned spacecraft typically have micrometeoroid shielding that makes them somewhat resilient to small space junk.The Kessler syndrome could also be triggered by an intentional act such as the use or testing of an anti-satellite system.|
| Type | SpaceRisk | | Definition | The risk of a cascading event of space junk collisions that results in the widespread destruction of satellites and spacecraft across an orbital range. | | Also Known As | Collisional CascadeAblation Cascade | | Related Concepts | Space JunkSpacecraftRisk |
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