Space Junk and the ISS

[beecee]

https://phys.org/news/2021-11-space-junk-station-astronauts-docked.html

Space junk sends station astronauts into docked capsules:

Space junk threatened the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station on Monday and forced them to seek shelter in their docked capsules.

The U.S. Space Command said it was tracking a field of orbiting debris, the apparent result of some type of satellite break-up.

The astronauts retreated into their docked capsules early Monday, after being told of the last-minute threat. Mission Control had them close the hatches between the space station compartments again later in the day, as a safety precaution.

"We are actively working to characterize the debris field and will continue to ensure all space-faring nations have the information necessary to maneuver satellites if impacted," the Space Command said in a statement.

NASA officials did not provide any immediate comment.

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[Phi for All]

From the link:

Quote

The incident came amid unconfirmed reports that Russia had carried out an anti-satellite weapon (ASAT) test—rare show-of-force demonstrations criticized by the space community because of the risk they create for crews in low Earth orbit.

Those bastards are insane.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/15/politics/russia-anti-satellite-weapon-test-scn/index.html

Quote

 

The US strongly condemned a Russian anti-satellite test on Monday, calling it "a reckless and dangerous act" and added that it "won't tolerate" behavior that puts the national interests of several countries at risk.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the test "will significantly increase the risk to astronauts and cosmonauts on the International Space Station, as well as to other human spaceflight activities," adding that "Russia's dangerous and irresponsible behavior jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of outer space and clearly demonstrates that Russia's claims of opposing the weapons and weaponization of space are disingenuous and hypocritical."

 

 

[StringJunky]

You would have thought the Russians would have learnt the lesson from the Chinese missile exercise some years ago. Some people are just thick... you can't fix stupid.  

 

[beecee]

https://phys.org/news/2021-11-russia-satellite-destruction-iss-greater.html

Russia satellite destruction put ISS at greater risk: ESA official:

Russia's destruction of one of its own satellites generated a cloud of debris near the International Space Station (ISS) and its seven-strong crew.

For Didier Schmitt, a senior figure at the European Space Agency (ESA), Moscow's action increased the risk of a collision in space.

Question: Was this a close call for the seven astronauts—four US, two Russians and a German - aboard the ISS?

Answer: "It's difficult to say with hindsight. But what we know is that from now on, according to our sources, the risk of collision could be five times greater in the weeks, even the months ahead.

"The new debris is moving in the same orbit as the Station, which is to around 400 kilometres in altitude, at more than 8 kilometres a second. That's seven to eight times faster than a rifle bullet! So to avoid them you have to predict a long time in advance: you can raise or lower the ISS a little.

"But to do that, you need a precise cartography of the objects in question, which is not the case because it's all new. We are a bit blind. It is much to soon to decide whether or not to readjust the Station's orbit—that could make things even worse. The US radars are in the process of doing the calculations to know."

 

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