3 ms·
On the other hand, in order to maintain the orbit, that space junk is going to be traveling at close to the same speed, if it's at the right altitude to hit you
by 001spartan 11y ago
On the other hand, in order to maintain the orbit, that space junk is going to be traveling at close to the same speed, if it's at the right altitude to hit you.
- nitrogen 11y agoSame speed, yes, but could be any direction (so collisions could be up to 2x speed for circular orbits, more for intersecting arbitrary orbits).
- 001spartan 11y agoThat's a good point. I was thinking about it from the perspective of Earth-launched debris, which would usually be traveling somewhat the same direction, as it's the cheapest orbit in terms of energy expenditure.
- jessriedel 11y agoNot really, since lots of satellites have technical requirements for polar orbits or are otherwise not following the least-energy, eastward orbits. Even if two satellites are traveling within 5 degrees of the same direction, their relative speed is still over 1,000 mph. (LEO speeds are over 15,000 mph.)
- 001spartan 11y agoI stand corrected!