What is the primary mechanism associated with the Kessler Syndrome concern?
Answer
One collision triggering a cascade of subsequent collisions
The Kessler Syndrome is a theoretical scenario built upon the exponential multiplication of threats originating from fragmentation events. When a large object breaks up, either through an accidental explosion or a deliberate anti-satellite test, it generates thousands of new, fast-moving fragments. If one collision event creates enough secondary debris that subsequently collides with other objects, the process can become self-sustaining—a cascade—leading to an environment where operational spaceflight becomes nearly impossible due to the perpetually increasing hazard level across that orbital shell.
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