Can satellites be lost?
We often lose items like keys and pens, but it's rare to hear about satellites getting lost.
Satellites can also be lost in space due to technical malfunctions, crashing with other objects while in orbit, etc.
All these can cause them to get disconnected from Earth and become lost in space.
Lost satellite found!
In 1974, the USA launched a satellite. It was designed to inflate in space and carry out certain tasks.
The satellite malfunctioned after launch, becoming unusable, and scientists lost track of it as it drifted into space.
After many years, scientists have spotted it again. We'll have to wait and see if they can bring it back to Earth or restart it.
What does this discovery highlight?
Scientists have equipment to track space debris, but it's hard to track every piece. Identifying each item is also tough, as there is a lot of space debris.
So, this discovery is a win for those keeping an eye on lost satellites and debris around Earth.
With more satellites and spacecraft being launched, space debris increases. Tracking all of them may become difficult, which will be a problem.
Space debris can crash with spacecraft and can enter Earth's atmosphere, parts of which can reach the ground and cause property damage. So, we must find ways to clean it up.
