On June 27, the U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM) stated on X that there are “no immediate threats” and they are still monitoring the situation to prevent future problems in space. The cause of the breakup is still unclear.
Over 180 pieces of debris tracked
The debris cloud was first identified by LeoLabs, a space tracking company that utilizes a network of radars to monitor objects in low Earth orbit.
They estimate that the breakup occurred between 9:05 AM and 8:51 PM Eastern time on June 26th. As of June 27th, LeoLabs was tracking at least 180 pieces of debris, and the number might increase further.
Resurs-P1 was a hefty (around 6,000 kg) Russian satellite launched for Earth observation in 2013. As per SpaceNews, it retired in 2021 and its orbit around Earth was slowly getting lower.
The satellite broke apart at a height of just around 355 kilometers. It was expected to return to Earth before the end of the year. The orbital station circles Earth at a distance of around 250 miles (400 kilometers).
Reason behind the explosion remains unknown
The reason for the satellite’s breakup remains a mystery. The most likely reason is that it was not properly decommissioned after the completion of its job. This might have resulted in internal energy accumulation and explosion.
During satellite decommissioning, the process of passivation occurs, which involves removing potential energy sources, like batteries, to prevent such unexpected explosions in the orbit.
Some possibilities include a collision with an undetected piece of space junk. One scenario that has been making rounds is a spacecraft being struck by Russia’s anti-satellite (ASAT) missile.
