the kessler syndrome, proposed by NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler in 1978, is a scenario where the density of objects in low earth orbit (LEO) is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade in which each collision generates space debris that increases the likelihood of further collisions.

one of the main implications of this is that the distribution of debris in orbit could render space activities and the use of satellites in specific orbital ranges difficult for many generations.

the simulation

in my recent project, cascade, i aimed to visualize this phenomenon programmatically. by using a custom physics engine, i could simulate how a single detonation can lead to an uncontrollable chain reaction, helping to spread awareness about orbital sustainability.