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The majority of this debris, around 99%, is too tiny to be tracked effectively. Despite their diminutive size, these particles travel at astonishing speeds, nearing 18,000 miles per hour. At such velocities, even the smallest fragment can cause catastrophic damage to functioning satellites or spacecraft if they collide.
One of the gravest dangers lies in the orbital paths and intersection points. Satellites orbit Earth along various trajectories, such as equatorial or polar routes. These paths can intersect—creating deadly "T-bone" intersections where debris traveling in one orbit can cross paths with operational satellites orbiting elsewhere. A collision at such high speeds can obliterate valuable equipment, leading to the loss of vital communication, navigation, and scientific assets.