ISS and Hubble under risk

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits about 220 miles (354 kilometers) above the Earth, far below the point of the collision.

But NASA's Earth observation satellites and the Hubble Space Telescope travel at higher orbits and could be at greater risk of damage.

"NASA's Earth-observing satellites orbit at an altitude of approximately 439 miles (707 kilometers), which is not far from the 491-mile (790 kilometers) altitude of the collision. They are of the highest concern as NASA learns more about the newly-created debris field," Yembrick said.