A new field of science called Satellite Fragmentation in Orbit was ushered in on 29 June 1961 when a Thor-Ablestar rocket exploded in orbit. However, it was not until 58 years and 268 additional satellite breakups later that the first book in this field entitled Theory of Satellite Fragmentation in Orbit appeared in print. The book begins with a survey of satellite breakups due to various causes such as explosion of residual fuel left in the upper stages, intentional destructions in anti-s...

For over half a century, an increasing number of satellites have fragmented in orbit, creating a large amount of hazardous orbital debris which threaten the safety of useful functioning satellites and space missions. This book discusses the theory behind these fragmentations followed by studies of actual cases.The book begins with a survey of satellite fragmentations in orbit and the consequent formation of orbital debris in chronological order. Next, the fundamental physical processes und...