Telkom 1 satellite breaking up - video

Telkom 1 satellite breaking up - video

Author
Discussion

MartG

Original Poster:

20,696 posts

205 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
Video of the 18 year old Telkom 1 satellite apparently shedding debris in geostationary orbit

https://twitter.com/AuerSusan/status/9047711969312...

Eric Mc

122,086 posts

266 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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Interesting for two reasons

I) I didn't realise that satellites so far from earth (22,000 miles plus) could be imaged - because of the distance

ii) the event itself

Have they any explanations yet as to why this happened? Was it an internal explosion or was it struck by debris?

Mr. Potato Head

1,150 posts

220 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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I wondered if it was a fuel tank leaking

Eric Mc

122,086 posts

266 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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It looks a bit more violent than a simple leak or outgassing.

MartG

Original Poster:

20,696 posts

205 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
quotequote all
The initial event looks like a gas or liquid escaping, followed by solid debris

XM5ER

5,091 posts

249 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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's obvious. 's aliens innit.

FunkyNige

8,897 posts

276 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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A quick Google suggests a company called ExoAnalytic Solutions tracks and images satelites on a continuous basis, I never even knew there was a market for such a company but obviously there is.
Even more worryingly "A minimum of four aging geostationary satellites have unexpectedly malfunctioned this summer." according to
https://www.space.com/38017-exoanalytic-video-telk...

Moonhawk

10,730 posts

220 months

Tuesday 5th September 2017
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"Telkom...Isn't that the satellite that's raining debris all over Europe?"

"Why is that toy on your head?"

"Because, if I wear it anywhere else, it chafes."