Satellite Danger

In our everyday lives, we rely on satellites more often than one would think.  Whether people use a GPS for directions, TV (Direct TV or DISH), or even Radio (Sirius or XM), they are relying on satellites for these technologies.  Our safety is also reliant on satellites as our military uses satellites in many ways to include communication, intelligence gathering, and navigation.  With so many people reliant on satellites, there are is a large number of satellites orbiting Earth.  This is why a recent development with the European Space Agency is critical.

Satellite

One of the ESA's sattelites, the Envisat,  has been deemed as a potential threat to other satellites orbiting Earth.  The Envisat has been ran until it didn't have enough fuel to move it to a lower orbit where it would not have the possibility of colliding with other satellites.  According to the article, international guidelines could hold the ESA responsible if any damages occur to other satellites. The ESA is exploring a way to remove the Envisat from orbit, but this option is risky and very expensive.

Image of the Envisat from a French satellite

This story impacts everyone that works for the ESA along with other space agencies.  The engineers that work for these companies are going to be pushed for a quick solution to the situation.  The article states, "ESA and other space agencies are studying future debris-removal technologies that today are viewed as overly risky and expensive."  This leads me to believe that if the satellite were to collide with others, they will still try to remove the debris that resulted from the collision.  Therefore, either way, engineers are going to be demanded for a way to retrieve these types of materials from space whether it be the satellite in tact or in pieces.

The fact that the ESA continued to run the satellite until it had depleted its fuel store without moving the satellite to a safe orbit, will cause stir within the agency.  I'm sure fingers will be pointed in many different directions, and the engineers working under the ESA better be prepared to defend themselves so they do not end up with the blame.  The agency will be questioned by multiple interested parties why they took the actions that they did, and it could be spun to show it as anyone's fault depending on who responds.  Therefore, it is critical that the engineers prepare their statements ahead of time to prepare for the potential blame.

This story could potentially impact the public and private sectors all over the world.  If the Envisat collides with another satellite, it could take down operations for any country's military or best case, remove capabilities of the private sector.  Any situation involving a military's satellite would pose an interesting scenario.  Depending on the country, it could cause stir and rebellion against Europe. Although this is probably unlikely to happen, it is still something to be prepared for.

Over the next few months, the people of the ESA will be under extreme scrutiny.  The engineers will need to prepare statements for the reason the satellite was allowed to enter this situation.  The engineers will also be under extreme pressure to come up with a solution.  If the engineers are not prepared for possible ridicule, a rude awakening could be awaiting them.