What is the Kessler Syndrome? Potential consequences explored as experts raise concern over space debris crisis 

Experts are raising concerns about a growing crisis in Earth’s orbit, warning that we may be approaching a critical scenario known as the Kessler Syndrome. This term refers to the dangerous chain reaction caused by the increasing amount of space debris, or "space junk," encircling our planet.

Reports from USA Today suggest that defunct satellites and other fragments in orbit could pose a serious threat to our future in space. Concerns intensified after an alleged United States Air Force weather satellite shattered just before Christmas, further amplifying fears about the Kessler Syndrome.

First proposed by NASA scientists Donald J. Kessler and Burton G. Cour-Palais in 1978, the Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where the density of objects in low Earth orbit becomes so high that collisions between them generate even more debris.

Space debris is increasingly endangering vital infrastructure like satellites and the International Space Station (ISS). A report from CNN highlighted a near-miss in November when a fragment came dangerously close, within 2 ½ miles, that is, four kilometres, to the ISS.

The incident forced its seven astronauts to seek shelter while a Russian spacecraft attached to the station adjusted its trajectory to avoid collision.

It is also worth noting that the experts have noted that such close calls are becoming more frequent as Earth's orbit grows more crowded, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions to mitigate this escalating crisis.

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“So we are heading towards the situation that we are always dreading” - More explained as experts talk about Kessler Syndrome

With collisions being common in space, scientists are now worried that we may be heading towards Kessler Syndrome, and the future might be at risk. A professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Dr Vishnu Reddy spoke to CNN and said:

"The number of objects in space that we have launched in the last four years has increased exponentially. So we are heading towards the situation that we are always dreading.”

Furthermore, other experts like Holger Krag, ESA's head of Space Safety also released a statement last year warning about the syndrome, and said:

“We are seeing a dramatically increased use of space, but still insufficient technology to prevent the risks that follow.”

However, talking about the Kessler syndrome, the term, as per CNN, refers to a situation where debris in space triggers a chain reaction. An explosion releases fragments that collide with other objects in orbit, generating even more debris.

This cycle can persist until Earth’s orbit becomes so crowded with junk that satellites stop functioning, bringing space exploration to a standstill.

Furthermore, USA Today also reported that many organizations like the European Space Agency, NASA, etc. have been warning the world against space junk.

However, to curb the same, ESA adopted a Zero Debris Charter, which is helping the Earth’s surroundings to be clear by 2030.

Furthermore, NASA is also running its own Orbital Debris Program, which aims to create less orbital debris and remove the junk from space.