• Bits of debris flying around in low earth orbit (where all the satellites are) smash into a satellite causing it to break apart, this leaves even more bits of debris flying around making further collisions more likely. Eventually (20-30 years they estimate unless something is done) it happens enough that all satellites in low earth orbit are obliterated and anything new put up there would be destroyed within days.

    Even getting a new satellite (or any other space rocket) through the debris cloud at low earth orbit height would be risky, so space exploration gets put on hold for 50-60 years until it all smashes itself apart and the bits burn up or fly off into space never to come back.

    But, most importantly...

    No satellites means no GPS.

    No GPS means no Satnav.

    So suddenly knowing your way around London becomes a very valuable asset.

  • Bits of debris flying around in low earth orbit (where all the satellites are)...

    With the notable exception of GPS satellites, which orbit at an altitude of about 20,000 km.

  • With the notable exception of GPS satellites, which orbit at an altitude of about 20,000 km.

    Sure, but the existing satellites have a finite lifespan (~20 years for the ones being launched now), so once LEO is a no go zone it'll be way too risky (given the high probability of losing the payload) of trying to get anything through it into MEO.

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