Space debris buildup has been a known problem for years. It is estimated that more than 130 million fragments are trapped in Earth’s orbit today, and this trend is increasing, according to the European Space Agency.
As the tropical environment becomes more crowded, questions are growing about how this pollution will affect essential systems such as GPS, satellite communications, and even weather forecasting.
Although many direct surface impacts are still considered unlikely, experts consulted by the authority said Capitals We point out that indirect effects on equipment in orbit are already a concern.
The operation of navigation, communications or climate monitoring satellites relies on interference-free paths and signals, which is increasingly challenging due to the increase in debris.
Metal particles emitted during the satellite’s return can contribute to electromagnetic anomalies, explains aerospace engineer Gustavo Luiz Oliseves Halila, professor of mechanical engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUCPR).
“When small metal fragments remain in orbit or spread into the upper atmosphere, they can reflect, scatter or absorb electromagnetic waves, causing changes in the propagation of GPS signals, in communications and in the operation of surveillance satellites,” he says.
According to him, on a large scale, this scenario increases background noise and reduces the accuracy of positioning estimates.
Astrophysicist Adam Smith, a professor at the Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB), believes that this intervention is usually irrelevant in the current context.
“Metal particles will not interfere significantly unless they remain suspended in the atmosphere, which they do not,” he explains. “They are dense and tend to fall away, without enough mass or distribution to affect radio signals.”
Can space debris harm meteorological instruments?
Weather forecasting relies on satellites that carry sensors capable of measuring radiation, humidity, temperature, and cloud dynamics. When the orbital environment becomes crowded, these devices are more susceptible to failure and interference.
“Fragments that cross the field of view can generate false reflections in Earth observation radars or reduce the quality of data used in digital models,” says Gustavo.
Smith agrees that there is a risk of distortions, but stresses that there is not yet a decisive impact in the current scenario. “Space debris can reflect or distort signals from meteorological sensors and radars. Today, the effect is minimal, but if the amount of debris continues to grow, this could become a real problem in the future,” he warns.
The professor also points out that the greatest weakness lies in satellite-based technologies, such as Internet via towers in low orbit. “Space debris interferes with equipment in orbit much more than it interferes with systems here on Earth,” he asserts.
Illustrative image from NASA showing the amount of space debris in Earth’s orbit
Collisions and ripple impacts are the main threats to satellites
Among the risks that most worry researchers, collisions appear at the top of the list. Fragments just a few millimeters in size can travel at speeds of up to 28,000 kilometers per hour. A collision with this energy could completely destroy the satellite.
“This is the most important point. Communication, navigation, remote sensing and weather forecasting satellites can be compromised by collisions with space debris. Each collision generates more fragments, which exacerbates the problem in a cascading impact,” he explains.
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Brazil, although not operating large constellations of its own satellites, is also at risk, because it relies heavily on international equipment. “Any deterioration in signal quality could impact agriculture, aviation, weather forecasting and environmental monitoring,” he says.
The close location of the magnetic anomaly in the South Atlantic also makes the environment more demanding for equipment in orbit.
Waste reduction technologies do exist, but they are still far from perfect
There are projects under development, but there is no fully operational system for debris removal. These include capture satellites equipped with nets or robotic arms, devices that speed up the return process at the end of the mission, and materials that burn up completely in the atmosphere.
Gustavo highlights that the sector is looking for more advanced preventive solutions. “New methods try to use materials that reduce the formation of metal particles, while control and maneuvering procedures seek to avoid collisions and the generation of new fragments,” he says.
Smith stresses that the challenges are great. He concludes, “There is still no active and effective cleaning system. The technologies are in the experimental stage and face technical and financial obstacles.”
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