2 Old Satellites Will Almost Collide Over Pittsburgh Tonight

As the number of satellites circling the Earth increases, so does the chances of them colliding.

We're going to be reminded of that tonight (Jan.

29) when two very old satellites pass within 100 feet of each other 900 km above Pittsburgh.

As Space.com reports, the two satellites in question are the Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and the Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment (GCSE-4).

Both satellites are decommissioned and pretty ancient.

IRAS was launched in 1983 and counts as the first telescope in space to survey the sky in infrared as well as managing to discover six comets.

GCSE-4 was launched in 1967 with an experimental US payload.

We know of the near miss thanks to LeoLabs Inc., which provides space debris tracking and collision prevention services for Low Earth Orbit.

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)

— LeoLabs, Inc.

(@LeoLabs_Space)

According to LeoLabs, the two satellites will pass each other within 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) at a relative velocity of 14.7 km/s.

The probability of a collision is one in 100, and considering the size of IRAS (11.8-by-10.6-by-6.7 feet) as well as the speed of travel, we really don't want them colliding due to the debris field it would cause and potential for subsequent damage to other satellites.

In another , LeoLabs uses the near miss as an opportunity to remind everyone that, "Events like this highlight the need for responsible, timely deorbiting of satellites for space sustainability moving forward.

We will continue to monitor this event through the coming days and provide updates as available."

We were reminded of how difficult it's becoming to manage the end-of-life of satellites last week when DirecTV admitted one of its satellites is in danger of exploding due to a battery malfunction.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is planning to launch tens of thousands more in the near future.

As the number of satellites circling the Earth increases, so does the chances of them colliding.

We're going to be reminded of that tonight (Jan.

29) when two very old satellites pass within 100 feet of each other 900 km above Pittsburgh.

As Space.com reports, the two satellites in question are the Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and the Gravity Gradient Stabilization Experiment (GCSE-4).

Both satellites are decommissioned and pretty ancient.

IRAS was launched in 1983 and counts as the first telescope in space to survey the sky in infrared as well as managing to discover six comets.

GCSE-4 was launched in 1967 with an experimental US payload.

We know of the near miss thanks to LeoLabs Inc., which provides space debris tracking and collision prevention services for Low Earth Orbit.

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)

— LeoLabs, Inc.

(@LeoLabs_Space)

According to LeoLabs, the two satellites will pass each other within 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) at a relative velocity of 14.7 km/s.

The probability of a collision is one in 100, and considering the size of IRAS (11.8-by-10.6-by-6.7 feet) as well as the speed of travel, we really don't want them colliding due to the debris field it would cause and potential for subsequent damage to other satellites.

In another , LeoLabs uses the near miss as an opportunity to remind everyone that, "Events like this highlight the need for responsible, timely deorbiting of satellites for space sustainability moving forward.

We will continue to monitor this event through the coming days and provide updates as available."

We were reminded of how difficult it's becoming to manage the end-of-life of satellites last week when DirecTV admitted one of its satellites is in danger of exploding due to a battery malfunction.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is planning to launch tens of thousands more in the near future.