Faulty Starlink satellites pose huge THREAT to future of space travel

  31 May 2019    Read: 965
Faulty Starlink satellites pose huge THREAT to future of space travel

ELON MUSK’s SpaceX runs the risk of creating space junk which could not only spark a chain reaction of exploding satellites but also halt future launches.

SpaceX successfully launched 60 satellites into orbit last week as part of their Starlink project which focuses on bringing high-speed internet to anyone around the world. The company hopes the so-called 'megaconstellation' will grow to include thousands of satellites in the coming years. But Elon Musk’s plans could be thwarted if a single satellite loses power and crashes into another.

Two satellites colliding would send pieces of junk flying through space.

The debris could then smash into another satellite setting off a chain reaction where satellites are obliterated.

Senior researcher T.S. Kelso said the issue must be dealt with immediately.

Dr Kelso told CNN: “We've got to figure out how to get a handle on this.

“The community needs to understand that it's not about probability — it's risk. It's the consequences."

The junk could impact Starlink, the International Space Station, spy satellites and Earth-imaging technology, according to CNN.

GPS services would be knocked out as well as weather tracking technology and even flights could be grounded.

Luckily, the scenario is incredibly unlikely.

 

Read the original article on www.express.co.uk.


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