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Indian destruction of one of its satellites is a terrible thing, said NASA chief Jim Bridenstine. He showed his concern that it could endanger astronauts aboard the ISS (International Space Station). He added that a missile shot down an Indian satellite and it created more than 400 pieces of orbital debris, including 60 larger than 6 inches in size. Moreover, the satellite was well below the ISS and 24 of the pieces were blasted above its apogee, which created a potential risk. Bridenstine stressed, “It’s unacceptable and NASA needs to be very clear about what its impact to us is”. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has declared the success of “Mission Shakti”. It was a missile test that destroyed one of the Indian satellites.
It is noteworthy that the country is now the 4th country for completing such a mission. The United States, Russia, and China have also completed such tests. The government of India mentioned that the recent test carried out low enough to ensure the generated debris would fall back to earth within weeks. Moreover, a simulation shows the impressive destruction and debris field created by the Indian test. NASA and the U.S Strategic Command’s Combined Space Operations Center have pointed out the risk. The estimated risk to the ISS has increased by 44% over the last 10 days.
Bridenstine also said that the astronauts are still safe and the ISS could be maneuvered if need be to avoid the debris. He said, “The good thing is, it’s low enough in Earth orbit that over time this will all dissipate”. China managed the most infamous missile test during the year 2007. They destroyed a satellite at a much higher orbit of 537 miles. Debris created the test are still circles the earth and threatening other satellites and missions. The major threat of space junk is Kessler Syndrome. It is a cascade of collisions and could destroy much infrastructure in the space.
