一颗“星链”卫星在轨失控爆炸，太空事故风险再引担忧

Core Viewpoint - The recent incident involving a SpaceX Starlink satellite losing control and exploding in low Earth orbit has heightened global concerns about the risks of satellite collisions and space debris accumulation [1][2]. Group 1: Incident Details - A Starlink satellite experienced an accident on the 17th, resulting in the formation of a debris field in low Earth orbit [1]. - The satellite fell from an altitude of 418 kilometers, indicating a possible explosion due to internal issues rather than a collision with another object [1]. - SpaceX engineers are investigating the cause of the incident, which appears to be an internal explosion, and are coordinating with NASA and the U.S. Space Force for tracking [1]. Group 2: Industry Concerns - Since the launch of the Starlink project, SpaceX has deployed over 10,000 satellites, with approximately 9,300 currently operational [2]. - The increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit raises concerns about potential collisions due to factors such as radiation, micrometeoroids, or internal failures [2]. - Predictions indicate that the total number of satellites in low Earth orbit could surge from 24,000 to 70,000 by the late 2020s, exacerbating the risk of collision and debris generation [2]. Group 3: Collision Risk Mitigation - SpaceX claims that Starlink satellites are designed to operate in low orbits to ensure that any uncontrolled satellites can quickly re-enter the atmosphere, reducing the risk of becoming long-term space debris [3]. - Despite these measures, the average time for a catastrophic collision to occur after a satellite loses maneuverability has decreased from 121 days in 2018 to just 2.8 days currently [3].