Study: Space Debris Poses Threat to Air Travel

Recent studies highlight a growing threat from space debris to global air traffic, with a 26% annual risk of debris entering busy airspaces, potentially causing severe disruptions. While the probability of a direct collision with an aircraft remains low, the increasing number of rocket launches and satellite deployments exacerbate the risk of reentry incidents. The University of British Columbia's research notes that areas such as the Northeastern U.S. and major cities in Asia-Pacific are particularly vulnerable. Space debris falls into two categories: debris from recent launches, which is easier to manage, and older debris, which is unpredictable. The economic impact of rerouting flights to avoid debris could be substantial, costing millions per hour. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved tracking and management strategies to mitigate these risks.