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The Collision of Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251: The Shape of Things to ComeThe collision of Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251 was the most severe accidental fragmentation on record. More than 1800 debris approx. 10 cm and larger were produced. If solar activity returns to normal, half of the tracked debris will reenter within five years. Less than 60 cataloged debris had reentered by 1 October 2009. Some debris from both satellites will remain in orbit through the end of the century. The collision rate of one every five years will increase without future removal of large derelict spacecraft and launch vehicle orbital stages.
Document ID
20100002023
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Nicholas, Johnson
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
October 16, 2009
Subject Category
Space Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-18971
Meeting Information
60th International Astronautical Congress(Seoul)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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