2/ On Jan 29 at 23:39:35 UTC, these two objects will pass close by one another at a relative velocity of 14.7 km/s (900km directly above Pittsburgh, PA). Our latest metrics on the event show a predicted miss distance of between 15-30 meters.
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1/ We are monitoring a close approach event involving IRAS (13777), the decommissioned space telescope launched in 1983, and GGSE-4 (2828), an experimental US payload launched in 1967.
(IRAS image credit: NASA)
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3/ These numbers are especially alarming considering the size of IRAS at 3.6m x 3.24m x 2.05m. The combined size of both objects increases the computed probability of a collision, which remains near 1 in 100.
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4/ Events like this highlight the need for responsible, timely deorbiting of satellites for space sustainability moving forward. We will continue to monitor this event through the coming days and provide updates as available.
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@LeoLabs_Space
Any amateur astronomers near Pittsburgh want to try to observe this? Happens around dusk on Wednesday.
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@LeoLabs_Space
Considering how *VAST* Earth orbit is, a miss distance of a mere 15-30 meters is damn too close!!
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@LeoLabs_Space
Kessler syndrome here we come. At least Facebook's crappy satellites keep blowing up on the launchpad.
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@LeoLabs_Space
2 Satellites on Potential collusion course over Pittsburg
#Pennsylvania
on 29Jan with a projected near miss of 15-30 meters
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