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How fast is space junk?
At the speed of junk
Ever since the launch of the world鈥檚 first satellite in 1957, we鈥檝e been sending stuff into space. While originally useful, millions of pieces are now just junk. And they鈥檙e floating fast in space. Even a small object can have a big impact, especially if it collides head-on with something moving at a similar speed.
Debris size (cm): 0.3
Mass (g): 0.038
Kenetic energy (J): 1,910
Energy similar to: bullet
Debris size (cm): 1
Mass (g): 1.41
Kenetic energy (J): 70,700
Energy similar to: falling piano
Debris size (cm): 5
Mass (g): 176.7
Kenetic energy (J): 8,840,000
Energy similar to: hit by a bus
Debris size (cm): 10
Mass (g): 1,413.7
Kenetic energy (J): 70,700,000
Energy similar to: large bomb