Why does even a small fleck of paint or a discarded bolt pose a catastrophic risk in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?
Answer
They travel at incredible speeds, carrying enough kinetic energy to cause catastrophic damage
The danger posed by orbital debris is directly proportional to its velocity, not necessarily its size or mass. In Low Earth Orbit (LEO), these defunct materials travel at extremely high speeds relative to operational spacecraft. Due to this immense velocity, even minute pieces of material, such as a fleck of paint or a small, discarded bolt, possess substantial kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is sufficient to inflict catastrophic structural failure or severe damage upon impact with an active spacecraft or space station, necessitating costly protective measures like passive shielding or constant tracking and maneuvering.
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