Kessler Syndrome: The Game

Try to avoid a catastrophic chain reaction of space debris collisions in this ADR-themed board game.

Kit list

• Printed copies of Kessler Syndrome – The Game.
• Guidance for printing:
  • A3 on card is recommended. Or A3 on paper then laminated.
  • The cards are double sided, if two-sided printing on card is not an option, they can be printed on paper and laminated, or thicker paper.
  • It is recommended to cut out the game tokens and laminate or print on card for ease of use in picking them up.
  • Print a copy or two of the rules for each set as a reference.
  • Dice – You will need at least 1 dice (die) per set, although 2-3 are recommend to keep the game moving along.

Introduction

Kessler Syndrome is NASA scientist Donald Kessler's theoretical scenario that if there is too much space junk in orbit it could result in a chain reaction of collisions that produce more and more debris.

If this happens, there is a risk that certain parts of Earth's orbit become unusable, potentially setting us back to the pre-space age. This event is known as Kessler syndrome. If we do not change the way we use low Earth orbit, some experts think Kessler syndrome will occur in the next 50 - 100 years.

In this board game, players work together to clear space junk and prevent Kessler syndrome. They can do this by using their actions to move space junk out of orbit.

Running the activity

• Instructions for how to play the game are provided alongside the download of the game itself. Read through the instructions before starting to familiarise yourself with how it works.
• The game can be played with 1 – 4 players, with players controlling individual or multiple satellites or deciding how they act as a group. Larger groups can play, but they will need to decide as a group or in teams how the 4 satellites act.

For younger audiences

The game rules can be adapted for younger audiences. In this version:

• Remove disaster cards.
• Remove missile cards.
• All junk moves 2 spaces in its turn.
• No additional junk is added.
• The aim: to clear all the staring 9 pieces of junk in 4 turns.

This activity is also available in our downloadable resource pack.

Header image credit: ClearSpace UK