In January 2007, China shocked the global community by intentionally destroying its aging weather satellite, Fengyun-1C, using a ground-launched missile. While the test demonstrated China’s military capabilities, it created something far more troubling: a persistent and dangerous debris cloud still circling Earth today.
Here's what happened—and why we're still dealing with the fallout nearly two decades later.
The Test Heard Around the World (and Orbit)
On January 11, 2007, China launched a kinetic anti-satellite (ASAT) missile, obliterating its aging weather satellite, Fengyun-1C, at about 865 kilometers (537 miles) above Earth. The explosion scattered more than 3,500 trackable fragments—each traveling at speeds fast enough to damage or destroy satellites in orbit.
Why is This Debris Still a Threat?
The destruction occurred at a high orbit—about 865 kilometers—where debris experiences minimal atmospheric drag. Unlike lower-altitude objects, these fragments won’t fall back to Earth anytime soon. Experts estimate that some pieces could remain hazardous for over a century.
Since the incident, space agencies and commercial operators have been forced to execute costly, high-stakes maneuvers to protect spacecraft and even the International Space Station from collisions.
The Ongoing Dangers of Orbital Debris
The risks of orbital debris aren't just theoretical—they're very real:
- Collision Hazards: Debris fragments travel at over 17,500 mph. At such speeds, even tiny pieces can damage or destroy satellites, spacecraft, and space stations.
- Kessler Syndrome Risk: Each collision could spawn even more debris, creating a runaway cascade that might render portions of Earth's orbit unusable.
- Financial Costs: Satellite operators spend millions annually tracking debris and conducting evasive maneuvers, inflating the cost and complexity of satellite operations.
Real-World Impact
The debris from China's 2007 test has repeatedly threatened active satellites and even the International Space Station (ISS), prompting evasive maneuvers and emergency procedures. In 2021 alone, the ISS adjusted its orbit multiple times to avoid collisions with debris—highlighting the urgency of resolving this issue.
How Do We Clean Up Orbital Debris?
While the situation is serious, the good news is there are promising technologies and approaches actively being explored to clean up space debris:
1. Robotic Capture Missions
Companies like ClearSpace and Astroscale are designing spacecraft equipped with robotic arms, nets, or harpoons to grab debris and safely guide it into Earth’s atmosphere to burn up harmlessly.
2. Laser Ablation
Ground-based or orbital lasers could be used to push debris into lower orbits. Eventually, Earth's atmosphere would naturally pull these fragments back down, causing them to burn up safely.
3. Drag-Enhancement Devices
Attaching small sails or drag-enhancing equipment to existing debris can accelerate re-entry into the atmosphere, safely clearing orbits within years instead of centuries.
4. Satellite Servicing
Future satellites could include built-in mechanisms to repair, refuel, or safely deorbit aging satellites before they become debris—similar to SpaceX’s Starlink approach.
The Importance of Responsible Satellite Operations
China's 2007 test underscores why responsible practices—like those adopted by companies such as Starlink—matter. Starlink satellites, unlike Fengyun-1C debris, deliberately lower their orbits at the end of their operational life, burning up harmlessly. This kind of proactive policy should become the standard worldwide.
Looking Ahead: A Call for International Cooperation
China's test vividly demonstrated the lasting impact of reckless actions in orbit. Solving the debris problem isn't just about technology; it's about global cooperation, transparency, and establishing international norms to ensure responsible behavior in space.
It’s crucial to act now—before collisions begin multiplying uncontrollably.
Skimmable Summary:
- Event: China destroyed a satellite in 2007, creating thousands of dangerous debris fragments.
- Impact: Fragments remain in orbit, threatening satellites, spacecraft, and even astronauts on the ISS.
- Solutions: Technologies like robotic capture missions, drag devices, and atmospheric re-entry acceleration offer viable cleanup solutions.
- Best Practices: Satellites (like Starlink) should deliberately deorbit at end-of-life to avoid similar issues.
