Space debris poses rising threat to aircraft safety

In recent years, the threat posed by space debris to aviation safety has gained attention, especially after the 2003 Columbia space shuttle disaster, which highlighted the risks associated with falling debris. Researchers have noted a rising risk due to the growing activities in both the aviation and space flight industries. As more rockets are launched to place satellites into orbit, the chance of left-behind materials creating hazards upon re-entry has increased. According to a paper published in Scientific Reports, while the overall probability of an airplane being struck by space debris is low, the increasing volume of space objects, especially rocket bodies, creates a significant concern. Aaron Boley, an associate professor at the University of British Columbia and co-director of the Outer Space Institute, emphasizes that as the use of outer space expands, the problems relating to space junk are becoming more pronounced. Millions of tiny objects, some as small as a centimeter, are in orbit, and when they re-enter the atmosphere, they break apart. Many of these objects do not burn up completely but rather dissociate into fine particulates, which can lead to the risk of collision with airborne aircraft. The aviation industry has started to take these threats more seriously, especially after significant incidents that assessed aviation safety in relation to space debris. In 2022, Spain and France closed portions of their airspace to prevent potential collisions when a large 20-ton rocket body was predicted to re-enter the atmosphere, which resulted in the delay and diversion of numerous commercial flights. Although the action was precautionary, it reflects a growing awareness of the risks posed by space junk and the unforeseen consequences it can have for air travel. Boley points out the dilemma that authorities face: they must decide whether to take protective measures against a low-probability event or risk economic disruption caused by closing airspace. This balance between safety and industry disruption continues to be a pressing concern as technological advancements increase the volume of debris orbiting Earth. Thus, ensuring the safety of air travel in the presence of space debris is becoming a critical issue that needs to be addressed through collaborative international efforts and improved monitoring mechanisms.