Russia blows up a satellite, creating a dangerous debris cloud in space

The Russian space agency blew up one of their satellite, creating a space debris cloud that hit the space station. Here’s how it is adding to a large amount of space junk floating in space.

Space debris cloud follows the Russian satellite’s demise

Today morning, Russia fired a ground-based missile, destroying one of its satellites. In turn, they ended up creating a huge space debris cloud. According to the US State Department, this event created over 1,500 trackable pieces. Additionally, several smaller pieces were created and they can’t be traced. Roscosmos, the Russian space agency reported that astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) had to shelter in place. This is because the space debris cloud was passing by the ISS every 90 minutes.

Initially, they were unsure if the debris threatening the USS was from Russia’s anti-satellite test (ASAT). However, Bill Nelson, the NASA administrator confirmed that the Russian ASAT was behind this. “I’m outraged by this irresponsible and destabilizing action. With its long and storied history in human spaceflight, it is unthinkable that Russia would endanger not only the American and international partner astronauts on the ISS but also their cosmonauts,” he stated to The Verge. Currently, there are seven people on the ISS, including two Russian cosmonauts.

The damage control and repair

“This test will significantly increase the risk to astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station, as well as to other human spaceflight activities,” stated Ned Price, a spokesperson for the US State Department. “Russia’s dangerous and irresponsible behavior jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of our space and demonstrates that Russia’s claims of opposing the weaponization of space are disingenuous and hypocritical,” he added.

America’s Space Command has been tracking Russia’s ASAT tests for the last two years. “We are actively working to characterize the debris field. Will continue to ensure all space-faring nations have the information necessary to maneuver satellites if impacted,” stated the US Space Command. “We are also in the process of working with the interagency, including the State Department and NASA. And concerning these reports and will provide an update shortly,” added the agency.

NASA’s timely monitoring also helped the astronauts aboard the ISS remain safe. “Thanks for a crazy but well-coordinated day. We really appreciate all the situational awareness you gave us. It was certainly a great way to bond as a crew starting. With our very first workday in space,” said NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei over the ISS live feed.