Earth-observation satellites deliver data that is critical in monitoring the progress of climate change, but they are increasingly at risk as the upper atmosphere becomes more congested.
Now, University of Manchester researchers have developed a way to design Earth-observation satellite missions that could help to protect the space environment and minimise the risk of satellites being struck by space debris.
There are currently around 11,800 active satellites in orbit, with some predictions suggesting that this could rise to more than 100,000 by the end of the decade. This would raise the risk of collisions exponentially, further increasing the amount of debris in orbit.
Lead author John Mackintosh, PhD researcher at the University of Manchester, said: “Our research addresses what is described as a ‘space sustainability paradox’, the risk that using satellites to solve environmental and social challenges on Earth could ultimately undermine the long-term sustainability of space itself.
...