Catastrophic Collision: How Space Junk Could Erase the Internet

In February 2009, a United States communications satellite, Iridium 33, was quietly orbiting Earth, relaying data for GPS and phone networks.

Then, disaster struck.

A defunct Russian satellite, Cosmos 2251, hurtled toward Iridium 33 at over 42,120 kilometers per hour.

The two collided, creating nearly 2,000 pieces of debris that remain in orbit today, threatening other satellites and spacecraft.

This wasn’t an isolated event—it was a warning.

Space debris, or "space junk," is accumulating at an alarming rate.

More than 47,000 pieces of tracked debris orbit Earth, with countless untracked fragments silently waiting to cause chaos.

Experts warn of a terrifying possibility: A chain reaction of collisions, known as Kessler Syndrome, that could render Earth’s orbit unusable for decades.

If that happens, the consequences would be catastrophic.

No internet. No GPS. No satellite communications. Banking, navigation, emergency services—all gone in the blink of an eye.

In this Survival Scout, we’ll explore the growing dangers of space debris, what Kessler Syndrome could mean for daily life, and, most importantly, how to prepare for a world where satellites go dark.

​​How Did Space Junk Become a Crisis?

The rapid growth of space debris didn’t happen overnight.

Decades of satellite launches, unintentional collisions, and deliberate anti-satellite weapons tests have turned Earth’s orbit into a junkyard.

It started with the early space missions of the 1950s and 1960s, when the first rockets and satellites were launched.

Each mission left behind remnants—spent rocket stages, bolts, and even tools—floating in orbit.

Over time, this litter accumulated, but the problem has escalated dramatically in recent years as more satellites have launched into orbit.

Currently, over 47,000 objects are being tracked in space, compared to 23,000 just over a decade ago.

And these objects are big enough to be easily tracked. Smaller fragments—like paint flecks or bolts—may seem harmless, but even a tiny object traveling at 17,500 miles per hour can destroy a functioning satellite​​.

The problem is worsening because of increased satellite launches, anti-satellite weapons tests, and collisions in orbit.

Exactly how did it get this bad?

• Satellite Collisions: Collisions between objects in orbit are one of the largest contributors to space junk.

In 2009, two satellites collided with a speed of 42,120 kilometers per hour at an altitude of 789 kilometers. The collision, known as the Cosmos-Iridium collision, “sent thousands of pieces of debris flying across an area populated by telecommunication and remote-sensing satellites, each piece drifting and decaying at a different rate, ramping up the probability for more collisions.”

• Anti-Satellite Weapons Tests: Anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons tests are another major culprit. These deliberate destructions create thousands of debris pieces that remain in orbit for decades.
  

• • Russia’s 2024 Test: A missile destroyed a defunct Russian satellite, creating over 1,500 trackable fragments and countless smaller ones​.
    

  • India’s 2019 Mission Shakti: This test produced debris that came dangerously close to the International Space Station, threatening its safety​.
    

• Increased Launches: The race to provide global internet access has led to a massive increase in the number of satellites, such as SpaceX’s network of nearly 7,000 Starlink satellites and those launched by China’s government-backed Qianfan.

Kessler Syndrome and Its Implications

Kessler Syndrome is a chilling scenario where one collision in space triggers a chain reaction of further collisions, creating an exponentially growing debris field.

First proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978, this phenomenon describes a chain reaction of collisions in orbit. 

Each collision generates thousands of debris fragments, which then strike other satellites, creating even more debris.

Over time, this cascade could make Earth’s orbit so congested with junk that it becomes unusable for decades—even centuries​​.

Terrifying, right? Here’s what could possibly happen:

• Loss of Satellites: Essential satellites that support internet connectivity, GPS navigation, and weather forecasting would be destroyed, plunging us into a communication blackout.
  

• Inaccessible Orbit: The debris field would become so dense that launching new satellites or repairing existing ones would be impossible. This would halt advancements in science, technology, and space exploration​​.
  

• Economic Disruption: Industries relying on satellite services, such as telecommunications, banking, and transportation, could face losses amounting to trillions of dollars globally. Even small disruptions, like those seen during GPS outages, have already caused significant challenges​.

Scientists are still on the fence as to whether it’s already happening considering “the ‘Kessler Syndrome’ is not an instantaneous event.”

How to Prepare for a World Without Satellites

The growing risk of space junk and the potential onset of Kessler Syndrome could one day disrupt satellite services we rely on daily.

From navigation and communication to banking and emergency services, a satellite blackout would take out life as we know it.

Here are steps to prepare for a world where satellites—and the systems they power—go dark:

1. Backup Navigation and Communication Systems

Satellites power GPS and communication networks, but there are offline alternatives:

• Maps and Compasses: Keep detailed paper maps of your area and learn how to use a compass for navigation. These tools can guide you when GPS is unavailable.

• Emergency Radios: Invest in satellite-independent communication devices like HAM radios or two-way radios. These are invaluable for staying connected during blackouts.

• Local Networks: Establish a local network that allows communities to communicate without relying on satellites or cellular towers.

2. Financial Preparedness

If satellites fail, digital banking systems could collapse. Take these steps to safeguard your finances:

• Cash Reserves: Keep an emergency supply of cash in a safe place. If ATMs and credit card systems go offline, cash will be your only option for transactions.

• Physical Records: Store printed copies of important financial documents, such as account numbers, insurance policies, and loan details. These records could prove essential if online systems become inaccessible.

• Diversify Payment Methods: Consider keeping some assets in tangible forms, such as precious metals or barter-ready supplies, to prepare for potential economic disruptions.

3. Become Self-Sufficient

A satellite blackout could disrupt supply chains, affecting food, water, and fuel availability. Prepare to sustain yourself:

• Stockpile Emergency Supplies: Build a reserve of emergency food, clean water or water filtration systems, and medical supplies.
  

• Renewable Energy Sources: Invest in solar generators like the Grid Doctor 3300. Utilizing solar energy, the generator doesn’t need gas to keep running, and it is safe to use indoors. You can charge the generator while you use it to power your electric appliances (such as your microwave) and digital devices (mobile phones).
  

• L​​earn Survival Skills: From basic navigation to bartering, practical skills can help you adapt to a satellite blackout.

Prepare for the unexpected, friends.

In liberty,

Elizabeth Anderson

Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply