Simulating Kessler Syndrome and the Space Debris Problem

Abstract

Space is essential to our modern way of life; but as the number of satellites in orbit increases, so does the chance of collisions and subsequent debris. This creation of debris increases the probability of new collisions in a positive feedback loop, potentially leading to runaway growth called Kessler Syndrome. To investigate this problem, a simulation of Low Earth Orbit has been created. Results show exponential growth initially but a decrease in carrying capacity as time increases. More research is needed to apply this result to the real world.