A satellite explodes on outer space, far from any other body, sending thousands of pieces in all directions. The linear momentum of the satellite before the explosion is

a$)$ less than the total linear momentum of all pieces after the explosion.

b$)$ equal to the total linear momentum of all pieces after the explosion.

c$)$ greater than the total linear momentum of all pieces after the explosion.

d$)$ zero.

e$)$ None of the above.