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

In summary: People are used to having a camera in their pocket.It's not like people aren't used to life through a box anyway.
  • #1
wllsrvive
3
0
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Protection
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/ISSRG/pdfs/mmod.pdf [Broken]
 
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  • #4
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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  • #5
Well that's silly, why are they still using windows? LOL
 
  • #6
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?
 
  • #7
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.
 

1. How does the space station protect itself from debris in space?

The space station has several layers of shielding, including micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) shielding and a Whipple shield, which is designed to break up and disperse incoming debris. It also has a debris avoidance system that uses radar and other sensors to track and avoid potential collisions with debris.

2. What happens if the space station gets hit by debris?

If the space station gets hit by debris, it can cause damage to the exterior structure or systems. In some cases, the station may have to perform a maneuver to avoid a larger piece of debris. The crew can also use repair techniques, such as patches and sealants, to fix any damage caused by smaller debris impacts.

3. How do astronauts on the space station stay safe during a debris impact?

The space station is equipped with a safe haven, which is a reinforced area that astronauts can retreat to in case of a debris impact. The safe haven is designed to provide protection from debris impacts and can also serve as a shelter in case of other emergencies, such as a fire or depressurization.

4. How does the space station monitor debris in space?

The space station has a number of sensors and cameras that are used to track and monitor debris in space. These include the Space Debris Sensor (SDS), which uses a laser to detect small debris particles, and the Debris Impact Sensor (DIS), which measures the size and speed of debris impacts on the station's exterior.

5. Can the space station be destroyed by debris in space?

The space station is designed to withstand impacts from debris up to a certain size and velocity. However, if a large enough piece of debris were to hit the station, it could cause significant damage and potentially lead to the destruction of the station. This is why it is important for the station to have a debris avoidance system and for astronauts to regularly monitor and assess the risk of debris impacts.

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