Space Debris refers to man-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve a useful purpose. This includes defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments of debris from collisions or other events.
Threats:
Threat to Marine Life:
- Even when falling into the oceans, which is more likely since 70% of the earth’s surface is ocean, large objects can be a threat to marine life, and a source of pollution.
Threat for Operational Satellites:
- The floating space debris is a potential hazard for operational satellites and colliding with them can leave the satellites dysfunctional.
- This overpopulation of space with objects and debris is referred to as Kessler Syndrome.
Reduction of Orbital Slots:
- The accumulation of space debris in specific orbital regions can limit the availability of desirable orbital slots for future missions.
Space Situational Awareness:
- The increasing amount of space debris makes it more challenging for satellite operators and space agencies to accurately track and predict the orbits of objects in space.
Kessler Syndrome
- This overpopulation of space with objects and debris is referred to as Kessler Syndrome.
Q. With reference to Space debris, consider the following statements:
- Space debris includes only man-made debris in space.
- Kessler Syndrome is related to space debris.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (UPSC CSE 2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Read more: Manganese Contamination
