Satellites in Space Increase Risk of Space Collisions

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. debris / dəˈbriː / (n) – pieces left behind after something was broken or destroyed
    Example:

    The satellite exploded and caused thousands of debris to scatter in outer space.


  2. inoperative / ˌɪnˈɑː.pɚ.ə.t̬ɪv / (adj) – not working
    Example:

    My computer is currently inoperative because I accidentally dropped it last night.


  3. impair / ɪmˈper / (v) – to damage
    Example:

    The crash impaired the satellite.


  4. rupture / ˈrʌp.tʃɚ / (v) – to break something open
    Example:

    Continuous rains ruptured the water pipes.


  5. steer clear of (something) / stɪr klɪr əv / (idiom) – to avoid something
    Example:

    He steered clear of other cars in order to avoid crashing into them.


Article

Read the text below.

Internet startup OneWeb recently launched satellites that may increase the risk of space collisions.


The company launched the first six satellites of its planned satellite network from the Guiana [gee-ANuh] Space Center. Consisting of 650 satellites, the network aims to make high-speed broadband Internet available worldwide. With 2,000 operational satellites already in orbit around the Earth, and more on the way, scientists voiced their concerns about the likelihood of space collisions.


According to scientists, space collisions can be extremely dangerous. This is because collisions can produce debris. In 2009, a collision between an inoperative Russian satellite and an unmanned space device from the United States resulted in thousands of debris.


Debris from a collision can potentially cause problems, such as impairing a working satellite and rupturing the walls of the International Space Station (ISS). Because some astronauts live at the ISS, they may face serious hazards like extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen, which may threaten their lives.


To address the problems that may be caused by collisions, OneWeb proposed a set of solutions.  One is programming its satellites to be independently capable of steering clear of other space objects. The startup also made plans to bring its satellites closer to Earth after five years and eventually pull them down.


On a similar note, NASA proposed its own set of solutions. It suggested the removal of satellites from orbit once they have served their purpose. In addition, NASA recommended improving the quality of these satellites so that they can endure space collisions.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• If you were the owner of OneWeb, would you push through with the launch of the satellites considering the risk of collisions? Why or why not?
• Which set of solutions do you think is more effective in preventing space collisions, OneWeb’s or NASA’s? Why?

Discussion B

• Aside from collisions, what do you think are other possible risks that one may encounter in outer space (e.g. extreme temperatures, emergencies)?
• Given the chance, would you be willing to travel to outer space despite these risks?