low earth orbit
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‘Too Close for Comfort’: Two Satellites Nearly Collide Above Earth
In a tense moment for space safety, two satellites—NASA’s TIMED spacecraft and the defunct Russian Cosmos 2221—came alarmingly close to smashing into each other above Earth, prompting concerns about the risks of space debris. The near miss happened Wednesday arvo as the two satellites brushed past each other some 378 miles (608 kilometers) above Earth,…
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Satellites Are Getting a Constellation of Traffic Cops
Earth’s orbit will be monitored by a watchful set of robotic eyes, the first commercial constellation of satellites with the ability to keep track of objects in space to avoid collisions between spacecraft. Canadian startup NorthStar is getting ready to launch the first four of its Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites equipped with advanced optical…
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Upcoming Orbital Test Could Enable Tracking of Super Tiny Space Debris
ODIN Space has passed a major milestone by powering up a super-sensitive experimental in-space sensor. Once fully developed, a dispersed network of these sensors could be capable of tracking hypervelocity objects no larger than a grain of sand. The sensor technology, installed on the D-Orbit ION satellite, launched into space on June 12 as part…
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Moon Patrol: U.S. Military To Extend Its Reach 384,634 Km Into Space
Space is a busy place these days, and it’s only going to get busier as more private companies and governments clutter the skies with satellites. In this lawless new frontier, a marshal is needed to keep things in check. Enter the Cislunar Highway Patrol System.