Exploding Russian rocket could create more hazards in space
Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A motor from a Russian rocket exploded in orbit earlier this month, the US Space Force has confirmed. Unlike Russia’s intentional use of an anti-satellite missile to destory an old Soviet space satellite in November, the rocket motor explosion on 15 April was unintentional. The rocket motor in question was a Russian SOZ “ullage” motor in orbit since its rocket launched three satellites in 2007, according to Jonathan McDowell, a Havard astrophysicist who also tracks satellites and space debris in his spare time. Unlike the film, however, a real world Kessler Syndrome would take decades to play out, a slow moving ecological disaster that would prevent humans from exploring space for years to come.
Fireball seen passing over Southern California is identified as Russian space junk
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