How does the space station survive the damages caused by debris in space?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how the International Space Station (ISS) and satellites manage to survive potential damage from space debris of varying sizes. It touches on the materials used, the risks posed by different types of debris, and the implications for crewed missions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the mechanisms that protect the ISS and satellites from space debris.
  • Another participant suggests that smaller debris is less of a concern due to the materials used in construction, while larger debris poses a significant risk.
  • A reference to NASA's documentation on Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection is provided, indicating that there are established protocols for dealing with debris.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential damage even from small particles, such as paint flecks, which can cause significant harm at high velocities.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the practicality of using windows on spacecraft, questioning their necessity given the risks.
  • Others counter that having windows is important for crew experience, suggesting alternatives like cameras or observation vehicles as potential solutions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of windows on crewed spacecraft, with some advocating for their use for the crew's experience while others question their practicality due to the risks associated with space debris. There is no consensus on the best approach to mitigate debris damage.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexities of space debris management and the varying perspectives on crewed spacecraft design, particularly regarding the balance between safety and crew experience. Specific assumptions about the effectiveness of current protective measures and the risks posed by different sizes of debris remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in aerospace engineering, space exploration, and the challenges of operating in low Earth orbit may find this discussion relevant.

wllsrvive
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How does the space station, its solar panels and the satellites in space survive the potential damages caused by the different size of debris in space?
 
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For small stuff - it's made of metal
For larger stuff - it wouldn't

Space is rather large, so the chance of you and a bit of space debris being in the same place at the same time is rather small.
This is helped by the fact that most stuff is going in roughly the same direction, east-west near the equator, at the same speed.
And at the low orbits of the ISS and the space shuttle small things don't stay in orbit very long without being deliberately boosted.
 
Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Protection
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/ISSRG/pdfs/mmod.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Even a fleck of paint in the wrong place can cause damage.

http://www.aero.org/capabilities/cords/debris-risks.html"

NASA frequently replaces space shuttle orbiter windows because they are significantly damaged by objects as small as a flake of paint.

http://www.aero.org/capabilities/cords/images/window_000.gif
This 4-mm-diameter crater on the windshield of the space shuttle orbiter (see image above) was made by a small bit of space debris determined to be a fleck of white paint approximately 0.2 mm in diameter. It was traveling at a relative velocity of 3-6 km/sec when it impacted.
 
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Well that's silly, why are they still using windows? LOL
 
Freshtictac said:
Well that's silly, why are they still using windows? LOL
What would be the point of having a crew if they couldn't look out at the view?
 
mgb_phys said:
What would be the point of having a crew if they couldn't look out at the view?

Yeah, that's what camera's are for... maybe an observation vehicle that has shades?

It's not like people aren't used to life through a box anyway.
 

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