By: Eric He

As technology advances, one might assume that spacecraft and satellites continue to become safer and more robust. However, a recent incident involving a Russian satellite challenges this notion. Known as Resurs P1, this satellite was launched in 2013 by Russia to observe Earth and provide imagery for applications such as agriculture and meteorology. After its retirement in 2022, Resurs P1 gradually descended from its orbit.

This Wednesday, a decommissioned Russian satellite fractured in space, creating a cloud of debris. The satellite, which was orbiting about 220 miles above Earth, broke into more than 100 shards, according to an announcement on Thursday by the U.S. Space Command.

In recent years, the volume of defunct satellites, discarded tools, and other space debris has rapidly increased. According to The New York Times, “NASA estimates that there are currently over 25,000 large pieces of debris in orbit. This space debris poses risks to future space operations, potentially leading to collisions between satellites.” Following the fragmentation of the Russian satellite, NASA has expressed concerns about the possibility of debris from one satellite colliding with others, although such occurrences are considered unlikely.

One hypothesis regarding the cause of the satellite’s fragmentation is that it may have been intentional. In 2021, Russia conducted a deliberate test by firing a missile at one of its defunct satellites in orbit. However, there are doubts regarding the recent incident being deliberate, as Russia had previously issued warnings to aviation before the 2021 test to avoid airspace above the launch site. Moreover, Resurs P1’s weight is around 13,000 pounds, which makes it a harder target for missile testing.

The event serves as a reminder of the increasing number of objects, from dead satellites to lost tools, orbiting Earth, which pose potential risks to future space missions and operations. While experts acknowledge the potential for collisions among debris, the exact cause of this satellite’s fragmentation remains a mystery.