Recently, a Russian rocket and a dead spy satellite barely missed colliding

Experts say it was a near-disastrous event

The incident happened on the morning of January 27, 2023, when two large, non-functioning pieces of debris in low-Earth orbit (LEO) narrowly avoided a collision. This prompted many people to wonder if a satellite had crashed, but LeoLabs said this was not the case. [i]

It was a close call that could have ended in disaster had two objects collided. Fortunately, the two objects passed within a few kilometers of each other, avoiding a catastrophic event. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring LEO and managing space debris. [i]

On November 10, 2020, two satellites passed each other in the night sky. The first satellite was an SL-8 rocket identified by tracking number 16511. It was launched into space on August 21, 2019, and has been used for technological research.

The second satellite was Cosmos 2361, identified by its tracking number 25590. It was launched on June 30, 2020, and is used for telecommunications. The two objects passed each other at 984 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

What were the two objects that almost collided?

The SL-8, a part of the Kosmos-3 family of Sovie and was utilized until 2009. The Cosmos 2361, launched in 1998, could use its radar tracking data to intercept several electronic signals, including radio communications and radar transmission. [v]

The SL-8 launched numerous satellites and spacecraft, including the Lunokhod 2 lunar rover and the Venera 13 and 14 Venus probes. They also included the “Zond 8 circumlunar spacecraft” and the Prognoz-1 solar observatory. The SL-8 was a reliable, versatile rocket that served the Soviet Union for more than four decades. [v] [vi]

Where did the space debris almost collide?

Experts agree that the “worst-case scenario” was avoided. According to NASA, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is an Earth-centered orbit with 2,000km or less altitude. This area of Earth’s orbit is close enough to allow for efficient transportation, communication, observation, and resupply.

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits in LEO, which has provided a unique platform for scientific research, technological development, and educational outreach since 1998. LEO enables a variety of commercial and research activities, such as remote sensing, telecommunications, weather forecasting, and satellite navigation. [ii]

The ISS is also a platform for medical research, biology experiments, and technology demonstrations. In addition to these activities, the ISS helps to facilitate international cooperation and communication in space and serves as a stepping stone for future space exploration.[ii] 

How did the company discover the near-collision?

LeoLabs specializes in providing and maintaining satellite tracking radars. These radars are used to monitor the millions of objects in space, including satellites, asteroids, and space debris. LeoLabs is dedicated to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information about these objects.

Recently, the company revealed that using their radar tracking data, they could determine that two objects in space had missed each other by just a little over 19 feet. This information is invaluable in helping to ensure that our satellites and other spacecraft can continue to safely traverse the cosmos. [iii] [iv]

Experts claim the “worst-case scenario” would involve a chain reaction of dangerous collisions. These collisions would have resulted in thousands of shards of debris that would have been scattered throughout the area and would have taken decades to fully dissipate.

LeoLabs is advocating for a two-pronged approach when it comes to dealing with the issue of space debris. In addition to the commonly known practice of collision avoidance, the company urges governments, space agencies, and other stakeholders to focus on debris mitigation and remediation. [vii]

The company believes investing in debris removal technologies and missions is necessary because some of the debris currently cluttering the Earth’s orbit is composed of payloads that have been in space for more than 20 years. LeoLabs believes this is crucial in creating a safer space environment and protecting vital space-based assets.[vii]

For more information on Space debris collision events, watch the video below.

References

[i] LeoLabs, Too close for comfort… (Jan. 27, 2023)

[ii] NASA, LEO Economy FAQs (2023)

[iii] Golden, LeoLabs (2023)

[iv] LeoLabs, Too close for comfort… (Jan. 27, 2023)

[v] Russian Space Web, Kosmos-3 rocket series (2023)

[vi] National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cosmos 2361 (2023)

[vii] Id.