The International Space Station (ISS) recently had an out-of-this-world problem: navigating through a cloud of potentially damaging space junk. As millions of uncatalogued pieces of debris orbit the Earth, they can threaten the ISS and its crew.
To ward off any unwanted collisions, the ISS has employed an unusual “life boat” outside the station. It’s an unmannedChinese spacecraft that was damaged during launch in 2016. Its main task? Serving as a bumping post to redirect any incoming space junk.
The life boat works like this: Whenever space junk is detected near the station, the life boat is moved into position. It’s heavier than the ISS, so it can absorb any impact. The idea is that the debris will strike the boat instead of the ISS, sparing astronauts from disaster.
This strategy isn’t a new one. NASA has been deploying debris shields around the station for years. But the life boat is unique in that it’s a working part of the ISS, allowing astronauts to stay with their damaged vessel and potentially repair it.
This type of space junk avoidance has become increasingly important. As more satellites are launched and other nations become involved in space exploration, the chances of collisions increase. That’s why the life boat is seen as an important asset, helping to keep crewmembers safe.
It’s unknown exactly how effective the life boat is, but NASA appears to be happy with it. The organization has a long history of using debris shields to protect astronauts, and the life boat will no doubt continue to prove its mettle in the battle against space junk.
