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An Earth without the internet may seem like a science fiction scenario, but scientists warn that the Kessler Syndrome makes it a real threat. This phenomenon, which describes a chain reaction of collisions between space debris, could make Earth's orbit unviable and leave the planet without essential technologies, such as TV, GPS and telephones.
If you’ve seen the movie Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, you may have gotten a glimpse of this potential problem that Earth could face. In the film, a cloud of space debris destroys satellites and puts astronauts in danger. While dramatic, the film’s concept is inspired by a theory proposed in 1978 by NASA scientists Donald Kessler and Burton Cour-Palais.
A Kessler syndrome describes a scenario in which increasing debris in orbit generates increasingly frequent collisions, creating even more debris and eventually rendering the orbit unusable. This accumulation is already evident: currently, more than 10.000 satellites orbit the Earth, along with trillions of fragments of old equipment.
The impact of an Earth without internet
If the Kessler Syndrome were to come to fruition, the effects would be devastating. An Earth without the Internet would become a reality. Communication satellites, responsible for Wi-Fi, phone calls and TV, would be destroyed. GPS systems, used for navigation, agriculture and logistics, would cease to function.
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Furthermore, the absence of meteorological satellites would compromise weather forecasting, impacting sectors such as transportation and agriculture. Even medical devices, which depend on satellites for communication, would be affected, harming global health.
“Once the cascade of collisions begins, the risk to satellites and spacecraft increases until the orbit becomes unusable,” NASA explains.
Can we avoid Kessler Syndrome?
Scientists are looking for solutions. One proposal is to recycle space debris, turning orbital junk into useful materials for new missions. Another idea is to deorbit unused objects, letting them burn up in the atmosphere – although this practice raises environmental concerns.
Agencies such as the European Space Agency (ESA) are already taking steps. The ESA aims to become “debris neutral” by 2030, committing to no longer generate space junk.
The future of humanity at risk
The race against time to prevent the Kessler Syndrome from becoming a reality is urgent. If we fail, facing an Earth without internet will be just one of the consequences of a disconnected planet limited by the destruction of its orbit.
While mitigation efforts are underway, much remains to be done. Humanity now relies on its ability to innovate and collaborate to ensure that Earth does not plunge into an unprecedented digital and technological blackout.
100 trillion, boy it's in the hundreds of millions. Where did you guess that ridiculous number 🤣😂 the ESA says something around 130 million.
I suggest correcting it.