On August 6, 2024, a Chinese Long March 6A rocket successfully launched the first 18 satellites for the Qianfan broadband network into low Earth orbit (LEO). However, shortly after delivering the satellites, the rocket’s upper stage broke apart, creating a cloud of debris that is now orbiting Earth. The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) confirmed that over 300 pieces of trackable debris were generated as a result of the breakup.
The debris cloud, which includes objects moving along the same orbital path as the rocket body and the deployed satellites, poses potential risks to other spacecraft in orbit. This incident has raised concerns about the impact of space debris on the sustainability of the space domain. Audrey Schaffer, vice president of strategy and policy at Slingshot Aerospace, emphasized the importance of adhering to existing space debris mitigation guidelines to prevent the creation of additional debris.
This is not the first time a Long March 6A rocket has caused a debris cloud in orbit. A similar event occurred in November 2022, when a rocket body broke apart after deploying a weather satellite. The increasing number of active satellites and debris in Earth’s orbit underscores the need for robust space domain awareness capabilities to monitor and manage space objects effectively.
Currently, there are about 10,000 operational spacecraft and over 40,500 pieces of debris larger than 4 inches in Earth’s orbit. The growing congestion in space highlights the importance of responsible space practices and international cooperation to ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities.
As we continue to explore and utilize space for various purposes, it is essential to address the challenges posed by space debris. By implementing effective debris mitigation strategies and enhancing space situational awareness, we can minimize the risks associated with orbital debris and preserve the long-term viability of space activities.
