[MIham] Satellites Collide in Space

[Frank]

Space Weather News for Feb. 12, 2009
http://spaceweather.com

COLLIDING SATELLITES: Experts are calling it an "unprecedented event." Two 
large satellites have collided in Earth orbit. Kosmos 2251 crashed into 
Iridium 33 on Tuesday, Feb. 10th, approximately 800 km over northern 
Siberia; both were destroyed.  The resulting clouds of debris contain more 
than 500 fragments, significantly increasing the orbital debris population 
at altitudes where the collision occurred.  The Air Force Space Surveillance 
Radar is monitoring the clouds as they pass over the radar facility in 
Texas.  We, in turn, are monitoring signals from the radar and you may be 
able to hear debris "pings" by tuning in to our live audio feed. This is a 
story that will unfold in the days ahead as researchers study the evolution 
of the debris clouds and piece together the details of the collision.  Stay 
tuned to http://spaceweather.com for full coverage.