Traffic jams in lunar orbit? Space agencies are sounding the alarm as missions around our satellite have multiplied in recent years. A South Korean probe received 40 collision warnings in just 18 months!
The number is quite astonishing. The Kplo space probe (Also known as Danori)) South Korea's space agency has seen 40 “red alerts” for possible associations with other probes since it entered lunar orbit in December 2022. Press release on the occasion of the 6thH At the Space Sustainability Summit in Tokyo, this figure illustrates how this alarming situation requires international coordination.
Shared platform for traffic tracking
The South Korean Space Agency (KARI) identifies that part of these objects. Alerts They were finally classified as benign after additional data processing, and other alerts could be avoided with a simple orbit-maintaining maneuver by Danuri. But in three cases, the probe had to perform a specific maneuver to avoid the probe. LROLRO From NASA, Indian probe Chandrayaan-2Chandrayaan-2And the Japanese Slim lander (before its messy landing on the moon).
These maneuvers are harmful because they draw on the probe's fuel reserves to keep it in orbit, reducing finally Ha the hope of lifethe hope of lifeDanuri's orbit is close to that of LRO and Chandrayaan-2, so the agencies involved have shared their orbital data on a common NASA platform.
Will overpopulation be solved?
Abandoned for decades moonmoon It has become the scene of many operations. We are only in the first chapter with some small automatic missions. The next works will include manned missions, lunar bases, International Space StationInternational Space Station Gateway, and several satellite towers to provide communications and GPS.
Thus, space traffic in the lunar environment is at risk of becoming overcrowded. One study even envisioned a crazy scenario with up to 1,000 objects in orbit! Some space powers as well as the UN Space Branch are calling for mobilization for creativity. ProtocolsProtocols To manage collision risks. Did not win!
