Satellite ’swarm’ could provide missing link between space weather and space debris

The ROARS concept involves eight satellites spread across Low Earth Orbit. Credit: OpenCosmos - The European Space Agency (ESA) has funded a new mission concept involving a "swarm" of satellites to tackle the growing threat of space debris. Published on Thursday 5 October 2023 Last updated on Friday 6 October 2023 - The University of Bath is part of the project, 'Revealing the Orbital and Atmospheric Responses to Solar activity' (ROARS), announced today during World Space Week (4-10 October). Space debris poses a huge problem for global communication systems and space exploration. Over 27,000 pieces of orbital debris are actively tracked by the Space Surveillance Network, while more than 170 million smaller pieces that cannot be tracked also pose catastrophic collision risks. These tiny items of space junk, often created by exploding or colliding decommissioned rockets, can carry as much energy as grenades and bullets and tear through spacecraft causing extensive damage. This poses immense problems to satellite operators and lethal dangers to astronauts and equipment, driving up launch costs through requirements for thick shielding and, increasingly, having to program collision avoidance manoeuvres.