While the chances remain low and no such incident has occurred yet the potential consequences could be catastrophic.
Near major airport hubs, they estimate a 0.8 percent annual probability of a re-entry event posing a threat.
Scientists have long warned about the risks posed by satellite constellations.
While we can sometimes predict re-entry events, the margin for error remains slim.
Experts caution that even a 1-gram fragment striking a plane’s windshield or engine could cause severe damage.
Without improved deorbiting practices, airspace closures will likely become more frequent.
The full study can be found in the journalScientific Reports.
