Chinese Zhuque-2E Rocket Upper Stage Breaks Apart in Orbit, Generating 100-150 Debris Pieces

According to the US Space Force, the upper stage of a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket broke apart in low-Earth orbit on June 9, shortly after the rocket reached orbit with two satellites. The breakup occurred in a heavily trafficked region home to the International Space Station and SpaceX's Starlink broadband network. LeoLabs senior technical fellow Darren McKnight estimated the fragmentation event likely generated 100 to 150 debris pieces. The rocket's second stage, built by Chinese company LandSpace, measured approximately 25 to 30 feet long and 11 feet in diameter. The debris is now orbiting between 208 and 263 miles altitude at a 54.5-degree inclination. While aerodynamic drag will quickly pull debris below the ISS orbit, the fragments could pose risks to Starlink satellites at lower altitudes. The US Space Force stated there are currently no threats to human spaceflight, with analysis ongoing.
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