Chinese rocket explodes over International Space Station | Sunita Williams trapped | Science news

Is the International Space Station, which hosts NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, in danger after a Chinese rocket exploded above it in low Earth orbit?

Concerns have been raised that the Chinese rocket explosion could pose a threat to the International Space Station through space debris.

There is concern because another Chinese rocket has exploded in Earth orbit, releasing huge amounts of space debris that may threaten other satellites in the area. The rocket crash posed a significant threat and forced the US Space Command to respond.

Impact on the International Space Station

However, authorities believe that fears raised by various quarters about a threat to the International Space Station are unfounded. The US Space Command stated that there is currently no threat to the ISS from space debris that has spread over a wide area and is now orbiting the Earth at tremendous speed. The ISS has been in the news for some time now, as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Commander Butch Wilmore were stranded there after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft developed serious defects.

There is currently a huge gap between the debris and the International Space Station. While the space debris from the Chinese rocket is rushing past at an altitude of about 800 km, the space station is only half as high, at 408 km.

Chinese missile explosion

Above all, Chinese state-owned company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology launched no fewer than 18 internet satellites on Tuesday. These are communications network satellites designed to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink internet constellation, which the company already has in space. The rocket exploded after it had safely delivered its payload into orbit.

Chinese missile explosion probably the largest such event ever

While the ISS appears to be safe, the Chinese rocket has broken into 700 to 900 pieces of debris that are still trackable. This threatens other satellites in orbit in the region. Up to 1000 satellites are at risk of colliding with this debris. This is considered one of the largest incidents of its kind.

Effects of a rocket explosion

The impact will be seen on the objects currently in use in the region. Audrey Schaffer, vice president of strategy at space tracking company Slingshot Aerospace, said: “What we’re seeing now is that over 1,100 conjunctions are forecast within 5 km of each other over the next three days,” she said, speaking to Reuters. Schaffer added that these active satellites will have to maneuver themselves to avoid the many parts of the Chinese rocket.

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