Musk’s constellation of satellites could cause close encounters of a new kind
Nasa warns that SpaceX plan for 30,000 new satellites could put International Space Station at risk
10 February 2022 - 22:53
Elon Musk’s plan to boost the SpaceX satellite fleet by 30,000 could endanger the International Space Station and hamper efforts to watch for potentially catastrophic asteroid strikes, Nasa said.
Crowding in the low-Earth orbits the satellites would occupy could impact ground-based systems that warn of possible collisions by interstellar objects. In addition, “the safety of the International Space Station (ISS) and all other Nasa assets may be impacted” by the surge in space-based platforms, the agency said in comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission...
This article is reserved for Sunday Times subscribers.
A subscription gives you full digital access to all Sunday Times content.
Already subscribed? Simply sign in below.
Registered on the BusinessLIVE, Business Day or Financial Mail websites? Sign in with the same details.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.