Thread by @tanyaofmars

Michael Byers: Since the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite weapon test, not a single nation has tried a similar test b/c nations realize that generating more space debris harms EVERYONE, not just the nation whose satellite was targeted. #OSI2018

More info: space.com/19450-space-ju…

The overarching theme of this panel has revolved around "Kessler Syndrome": Density of objects in low Earth orbit increases → collisions b/t objects cause a cascade effect → collisions generate space debris that increase the likelihood of further collisions. #OSI2018

.@AaronRosengren: Space may seem really big, but the locations of useful orbits are not. #OSI2018

David Kendall: Average speed of collisions in Earth orbit are 7.5 km/s = 27,000 km/hr. A softball-sized object can destroy a satellite at those speeds. #OSI2018

Audience member asks how people "book" orbits.
A from @moribajah: If someone offers to "sell" you an orbit, beware.
#OSI2018

David Kendall: Geostationary is the only orbit where satellite operator companies are doing a good job at self-regulating, b/c they know collisions and space debris issues in that highly valuable orbit would be extremely costly. #OSI2018

Kendall: In 2009, an Iridium satellite collided at ~10 km/s with a defunct Russian satellite, creating a huge cloud of debris in orbit. Helped to emphasize the issue of space traffic management. #OSI2018

More info: space.com/19450-space-ju…

David Kendall: Off all the stuff we're tracking in space:
🛰 5% are functioning satellites
🚀 8% intact rocket bodies
🚮 87% debris
#OSI2018