If the two objects did collide, 'there would be thousands of pieces of new debris that would stay in orbit for decades,' said Dan Ceperley from LeoLabs.
Given the size and predicted trajectories of both objects, LeoLabs has computed the probability of a collision at around 1 in 100. While this is clearly unlikely, the California-based company's CEO Dan Ceperley said that accurately predicting the paths of fast-moving satellites in space is challenging.
If the two objects did collide, the impact could create huge problems in low Earth orbit for other spacecraft. "There would be thousands of pieces of new debris that would stay in orbit for decades," Ceperley told LiveScience."Those new clouds of debris would threaten any satellites operating near the collision altitude and any spacecraft transiting through on its way to other destinations. The new debris [would] spread out and form a debris belt around the Earth."
The two defunct satellites in question are known as the Infrared Astronomical Satellite and the Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment . 1/ We are monitoring a close approach event involving IRAS , the decommissioned space telescope launched in 1983, and GGSE-4 , an experimental US payload launched in 1967.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Heads up: Two satellites might collide in space 559 miles above PittsburghIt isn't clear whether a collision would pose a threat to people on the ground, astronauts onboard the International Space Station.
Read more »
'The' Bachelor Is Airing Two Episodes on Two Different Days Next WeekCancel your plans accordingly.
Read more »
McDonald’s Rolls Out Two Chicken Sandwiches For Breakfast—Here’s How They Stack UpThis week, McDonald’s added 2 chicken items nationwide—the McChicken Biscuit and the Chicken McGriddle and this woman tried it. Find out what she thought:
Read more »
Lori Vallow, mother of two missing Idaho children, found in Hawaii with new husbandPolice have ordered the mother, Lori Vallow, to produce her children in the bizarre missing-persons case with a trail of mysterious deaths.
Read more »
China's 'one country, two systems' strategy has been proven 'a flat-out lie,' Taiwanese diplomat saysStanley Kao—Taiwan's top diplomatic representative to the U.S.—told Newsweek that China's system of government would never be accepted by the Taiwanese people.
Read more »
Maryse Mizanin on How Her Body Has Changed After Having Two Babies in Less Than Two YearsSeason 2 of Miz & Mrs., starring Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin and Maryse Mizanin, premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST on USA Network
Read more »