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Russian scientists develop space junk motion model

The near-earth orbit is avalanched with artificial items that can pose danger to spacecraft
Computer generated image showing artist's impression of debris objects in low-Earth orbit AP Photo/ESA
Computer generated image showing artist's impression of debris objects in low-Earth orbit
© AP Photo/ESA

YEKATERINBURG, January 12. /TASS/. Russian scientists developed a space debris motion model that will make possible to reduce the probability of satellites’ collision with items on the near-earth model, senior research fellow of the Russia’s Zvenigorod Observatory Nail Bakhtigaraev told TASS on Tuesday.

"Debris items with the size about 20 centimeters were selected for the model. We identified a pattern that can be used for prediction of their further motion after several years of observations. This is a very time-consuming work but it may be the method of solving the global problem of debris oversaturation. When we know coordinates, we may mitigate the probability of items’ collision and accurately destroy even small objects in future," Bakhtigaraev said.

The near-earth orbit is avalanched with artificial items. According to Zvenigorod Observatory data, the quantity of space junk on the orbit rose 30% in the last several years.

"Astronomers find three-four new objects daily - remains of satellites and other spacecraft. Their quantity is growing every year on account of fragmentation of space bodies," Bakhtigaraev said. Contamination of space around the Earth may significantly complicate further space exploration in fifty tears.