A recent inspection of one of the modules of the International Space Station (ISS) revealed hundreds of tiny impact craters from space fragments, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). However, despite this, the European scientific laboratory Columbus still continues to be in the ranks, protecting astronauts from cosmic threats.
After 11 years in orbit, the Columbus module shows signs of wear and damage from tiny meteorites, as well as artificial debris bombarding its skin, according to a statement published by ESA. Representatives of the agency have not yet expressed concerns about these damage, but noted that this new information will help in developing models of the density of the distribution of debris in near-Earth orbit.
There are usually three or six astronauts aboard the ISS, who spend 6 months aboard one expedition; the station has not remained without crew since 2000. The oldest module of the Zarya station was mounted in 1998, while Columbus was sent to space in 2008.
To better understand the threat of space debris, including also orbital debris, researchers from ESA conducted two inspections of the Columbus module in September — the first such inspections, counted from the launch of the module. The station’s robotic arm Kanadarm-2 camera recently conducted two inspections of the external panels and found hundreds of small dents, mostly associated with tiny fragments smaller than 1 millimeter of natural or artificial origin. These fragments do not pose a great threat to the station; significantly more scientists are usually worried about fragments larger than 1 centimeter that could cause serious damage to the ISS.
On the lining of the European ISS module hundreds of tiny impact craters from space fragments are found
Click To Tweet
The post On the lining of the European ISS module hundreds of tiny impact craters from space fragments are found appeared first on Upcosmos.com.