Chinese Rocket Debris Sparks Collision Concerns in Space

A Chinese rocket stage broke apart in space, creating over 700 pieces of debris and endangering more than 1,000 satellites and objects in Earth's orbit. SSST did not comment, but U.S. space-tracking firms warn the debris cloud could last years. Analysts fear cascading collisions similar to a 2022 incident.

A Chinese rocket stage that disintegrated in space this week has generated over 700 pieces of debris, posing a threat to more than 1,000 satellites and other objects in a high-traffic zone of Earth's orbit, analysts reported on Friday.

China's state-owned Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) launched 18 internet satellites on Tuesday, the first of a communications network intended to compete with SpaceX's Starlink constellation. However, the upper rocket stage that delivered these satellites exploded shortly afterward, creating a debris field currently estimated at over 700 pieces.

SSST has not responded to inquiries. LeoLabs, a U.S. space-tracking firm, suggests the debris pieces could exceed 900, marking one of the largest events of its kind. Analysts predict the debris cloud, formed at an altitude of roughly 800 kilometers, will persist for several years. Questions remain about whether the rocket's break-up was due to a collision or an onboard explosion. U.S. Space Command initially reported 300 debris pieces, a figure expected to rise as the debris spreads. The event puts over 1,100 objects in space at risk, with approximately a third being active spacecraft capable of maneuvering out of harm's way. Concerns are growing about uncontrolled space junk leading to further collisions. A similar incident occurred in 2022 with a Long March 6A rocket stage, leading to criticism of China's space sustainability practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)