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exploration

Kessler syndrome: vertical diffusion rate?

- Questions how a Kessler cascade originating in LEO would spread debris across orbital inclinations and whether higher-inclination orbits accelerate spreading. - Notes simulations showing rapid secondary-collision debris production, especially from large impactors. - Asks how quickly fragments would be carried to higher orbits versus cleared by atmospheric drag at low perigees. - Wonders whether collisions primarily elongate orbits (creating ellipticals) or if mechanisms exist to add net vertical delta‑V into higher near-circular orbits.

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Kessler syndrome: vertical diffusion rate?

Kessler syndrome: vertical diffusion rate?

- Suggests a Kessler cascade would likely begin in LEO, which contains many vehicles at varied inclinations. - Notes simulations show rapid secondary-debris spread, and posits higher-inclination fragments may intersect more and spread faster. - Asks how quickly fragments are transported to higher orbits versus being cleared at lower altitudes