Kessler syndrome

The Kessler Syndrome is the increase in the number of small objects of space debris by collision, in 1978 named after the NASA consultant Donald J. Kessler. By this slow chain reaction space is risky for future generations.

Collisions between small objects are very unlikely. Collisions between large objects are preventable, but see the satellite collision on 10 February 2009 and strongly criticized the testing of anti-satellite weapons. The number of small objects thus decreases mainly by collisions with large objects. Countermeasures therefore focus on advancing disconnected satellites and upper stages burned in the atmosphere or a higher orbit.