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[–] 3 points 3 years ago (1 child)

Could a high-speed impact not send debris flying into a higher orbit?

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  • [–] 7 points 3 years ago

    It could send debris into a more elliptical orbit, but it wouldn't be possible for it to raise the entire orbit above LEO. The point of impact will remain in the orbital path and since the entire orbit is currently in LEO, there will be, by extension, some part of the new orbit still in LEO and therefore subject any debris to atmospheric capture.

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