A new study introduces “CRASH Clock,” estimating how quickly satellites could collide if they lose control—possibly within days. Researchers say solar storms can knock out communications, leaving spacecraft unable to maneuver. With more satellites than ever in orbit, including thousands of avoidance moves by Starlink, the paper underscores an escalating collision threat as launches surge.
In 2025, ISRO reportedly issued about 1.5 lakh close-approach alerts for its Earth-orbiting satellites, reflecting how crowded space has become. The agency carried out four collision avoidance manoeuvres for GEO satellites and 14 for LEO spacecraft, including an avoidance action linked to the joint NASA-ISRO NISAR mission.
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