Space junk forces spacewalk delay, too risky for astronauts
PTI, Nov 30, 2021, 7:43 PM IST
Image credit: NASA via AP
Cape Canaveral: NASA called off a spacewalk Tuesday because of menacing space junk that could puncture an astronaut’s suit or damage the International Space Station.
Two US astronauts were set to replace a bad antenna outside of the space station. But late Monday night, Mission Control learned that a piece of orbiting debris might come dangerously close.
There wasn’t enough time to assess the threat so station managers delayed the spacewalk for at least a few days.
It’s the first time a spacewalk has been canceled because of a threat from space junk.
The space station and its crew of seven have been at increased risk from space junk since Russia destroyed a satellite in a missile test two weeks ago.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether the object of concern was part of the Russian satellite wreckage. During a news conference Monday, NASA officials said the November 15 missile test resulted in at least 1,700 satellite pieces big enough to track, and thousands more too small to be observed from the ground but still able to pierce a spacewalker’s suit.
NASA officials said astronauts Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron faced a 7 percent greater risk of a spacewalk puncture because of the Russian-generated debris. But they said it was still within acceptable limits based on previous experience.
Marshburn and Barron arrived at the space station earlier this month.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
BTS2024: If India can make rocket sensors, it can also make car sensors, says ISRO chief Somanath
World COPD Day: Know your lung function
SpaceX successfully launches ISRO’s 4,700 kg communication satellite from US
As AI and megaplatforms take over, the hyperlinks that built the web may face extinction
Plastic waste could double by 2050, researchers find, suggest policies to address issue
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
US charges against Adani, 7 others could lead to arrest warrants, extradition bid: attorney
Youth attempts suicide after being humiliated in public for wearing ripped jeans in Belthangady
Baku climate talks: The ‘X’ factor that could determine future of Global South
Kerala HC denies bail to police officer accused of ‘raping’ minor Dalit girl
Global Bhagavad Gita Quiz Announced: Registration now open
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.