Newswise — A U.S.-operated Iridium satellite -- one of a 66-member constellation of communications satellites -- and a Russian satellite designated Cosmos 2251 collided on February 10.
Both were completely destroyed, producing two large debris clouds.
The collision of these two spacecraft is being addressed this week in Vienna at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) 46th session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee.
Brian Weeden, Technical Consultant for Secure World Foundation (SWF), will highlight the incident during his presentation to the COPUOS Subcommittee as an example of the need for a civil space situational awareness system.
NOTICE:
Reporters wanting comment on this unprecedented satellite collision event, please contact:
1)
Dr. Ray A. Williamson Executive DirectorSecure World Foundation
2)
Brian Weeden, SWF Technical ConsultantSecure World Foundation
3)
Phil Smith, SWF Communications Director
Secure World Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space for the benefit of Earth and all its peoples.
SWF engages with academics, policy makers, scientists and advocates in the space and international affairs communities to support steps that strengthen global space security. It promotes the development of cooperative and effective use of space for the protection of Earth's environment and human security.
The Foundation acts as a research body, convener and facilitator to advocate for key space security and other space related topics and to examine their influence on governance and international development.
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