Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around estimating the average distance between pieces of space debris in low Earth orbit, considering the large number of debris pieces and their distribution in a specified altitude range. Participants explore various methods of calculation and assumptions regarding the distribution of debris.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes that there are over 170 million pieces of space debris larger than 1mm in low Earth orbit and questions the average distance between them.
- Another participant suggests a naive model assuming uniform distribution of debris, calculating the volume of a hollow sphere from 160 km to 2000 km altitude, leading to an estimated density of debris and an average distance of approximately 8.27 km.
- A later post corrects the volume calculation using the Earth's radius, resulting in a different volume estimate of about 1.3 x 10^12 km³, which leads to a recalculated average distance of approximately 19.7 km between pieces of debris.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the average distance between debris, as different methods and assumptions lead to varying results. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing calculations presented.
Contextual Notes
The calculations depend on assumptions about the uniform distribution of debris and the specific altitude range considered. There are also potential discrepancies in volume calculations that could affect the final estimates.