The space telescope and the old experimental cargo are dangerously close.
Space debris observer LeoLabs said the two satellites could collide over Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
IRAS (13777), a decommissioned space telescope launched in 1983, and GGSE-4 (2828), an experimental US cargo launched in 1967, will fly incredibly close together at a relative speed of 14.7 km / s.
NASA said it is monitoring a possible collision and that recent observations “show a predicted divergence distance of 15-30 meters.” This distance is comparable to the dimensions of the IRAS – 3.6 meters x 3.24 meters x 2.05 meters. The combined size of IRAS and GGSE-4 increases the likelihood of collision.
1 / We are monitoring a close approach event involving IRAS (13777), the decommissioned space telescope launched in 1983, and GGSE-4 (2828), an experimental US payload launched in 1967.
(IRAS image credit: NASA) pic.twitter.com/13RtuaOAHb
– LeoLabs, Inc. (@LeoLabs_Space) January 27, 2020
“Events like these highlight the need for responsible and timely removal of satellites from orbit to ensure future space security,” LeoLabs tweeted.
“We will continue to monitor this event in the coming days and provide updates whenever possible.”
