Rising Risk of Aircraft Collisions with Space Debris

A recent study by the University of British Columbia highlights the increasing danger of

between aircraft and . The surge in , notably by companies like SpaceX, has this risk.

Researchers analyzed global flight data and compared it with records of uncontrolled rocket bodies re-entering Earth's atmosphere. They discovered that densely populated regions with numerous airports face a 0.8% annual chance of being affected by such

. This probability escalates to 26% in broader yet still , such as the northeastern United States, Northern Europe, and major cities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Even small fragments of burning debris, weighing as little as 1 gram, can pose significant threats if they

or engines, passenger safety. In response, might consider closing certain airspaces, which could lead to increased congestion in other regions or necessitate flight cancellations and delays.

The study emphasizes the need for

to invest in technologies that ensure controlled re-entries of their equipment. Currently, less than 35% of launches employ such measures, leaving the aviation sector to manage the associated safety risks. The researchers advocate for collaborative efforts between governments and private companies to enhance safety both within and beyond Earth's atmosphere, stressing the importance of over reactive responses to potential disasters.