At worst, the ensuing vortex of dangerous debris could trap us on our planet and set back spaceflight for decades. With more satellites being launched into low Earth orbit than ever, this scenario — dubbed Kessler syndrome — is starting to be considered as a serious possibility. What if a Kessler syndrome type scenario was suddenly kicked off by a violent solar storm? The researchers calculated that satellites may be having a “close approach,” or pass within one kilometer of each other, once every 36 seconds in low Earth orbit — an uncomfortably close distance in space. More on space: Experts Warn That There’s Something Wrong With the Moon Rocket NASA Is About to Launch With Astronauts Aboard