Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 6 to 13.
The rapid expansion of satellite launches has transformed Earth’s orbit into an increasingly congested environment. In the past year alone, more than 400 satellites were sent into space, far surpassing the annual average of the previous decade. This surge includes ambitious plans from major companies to deploy vast constellations, each numbering in the hundreds or thousands. While such missions promise improved communications and global coverage, the sheer number of satellites heightens the risk of collisions and the creation of hazardous debris.
The dangers of space debris are not hypothetical. A notable incident occurred when an active US commercial satellite collided with an inactive Russian satellite, producing thousands of high-speed fragments. These remnants now threaten other spacecraft in low Earth orbit, an area that extends up to 2,000 kilometres above the planet. With about 20,000 human-made objects already in orbit, operators must balance collision avoidance with conserving fuel and ensuring their satellites fulfil their intended missions.
To address the growing hazard, international bodies and research teams are developing improved monitoring and management strategies. The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, for example, advises deactivating satellites at the end of their lifespan and ensuring re-entry within 25 years to burn up in the atmosphere. Despite such guidelines, compliance remains inconsistent, with only about half of missions meeting this target. Some companies pledge to act responsibly, yet if a firm fails or declares bankruptcy, they may not remove obsolete satellites, leaving them as long-term risks in orbit.
Accurate tracking is at the core of effective space traffic management. Scientists aim to locate debris with extreme precision, reducing unnecessary manoeuvres and preventing false collision alerts. However, there is currently no single, authoritative catalogue of all space objects, and existing records can conflict, showing different orbits for the same item. Space environmentalists warn that without reliable data and stronger regulations, orbital space could reach a point where it becomes unusable for future generations, turning a shared resource into a dangerous and inaccessible zone.
(Adapted from nativespeaker.vn)
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an outcome or effect of the recent surge in satellite launches?
A. Higher costs for satellite construction and launch
B. Increased risk of satellite collisions
C. Greater likelihood of hazardous space debris creation
D. Enhanced global communications coverage
