Isn't there a massive risk of space debris and meteors hitting the shuttle whilst in orbit around earth?

Question

I thought there was supoosed to be loads of stuff crashing into our atmosphere. Also isn't there junk orbiting earth as well. Doesn't nasa worry about an orbiter shuttle getting whacked by a rock?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a risk of space debris and meteors hitting the shuttle. It isn't a massive risk for any individual mission, but enough missions and it has to (and has) happened.

The most famous incident for the Shuttle was when it was struck by a paint chip from the large fuel tank from a previous mission. Fortunately, the paint chip was in a very similar orbit, reducing its impact - i.e. the chip became imbedded in the shuttle's windshield instead of breaking all the way through. That impact is what made NASA decide an unpainted fuel tank would be a better idea, in spite of the fact that a rust colored fuel tank doesn't look nearly as good on TV as a white fuel tank. This article has a picture, although unfortunately the picture is pretty low quality: http://www.wstf.nasa.gov/Hazard/Hyper/debris.htm

There's several things the shuttle does to minimize the risk, such as maneuver out of the way of large debris and fly upside down with the open bay pointed towards the Earth (there's less chance of being hit by debris between the Earth and shuttle than by debris on the spaceward side).

Answer 2

Yes, this is a risk, but its not a massive one. Consider that most of the debris in space are pretty small, space is pretty big, and most debris are not moving all that quickly. While the shuttle is moving relatively fast in comparison, most debris is blocked by shielding. Conceivably, an object could be large and fast enough to come flying through and destroy the shuttle ala the film "Armageddon", but we can detect any object that large and move our shuttle. Over time, however, the constant exposure to even the small debris does start to attack objects, as some satellites are severly pitted and abraded from time in "empty" space.

Answer 3

Yes, there is a risk. There is a risk that a meteor or comet will crash into your house while you are sleeping. Fortunately, NASA tries to track these things and provide advance warning for the shuttle and the SpaceLab. They don't do this for you and your house. Your chances are probably better or worse depending on your point of view. Fortunately for you, you are more protected from the smaller debris by the atmosphere than the shuttle or lab are.

Your chances of getting in a car accident are much greater.

Answer 4

Almost all things in orbit around the Earth are tracked by NASA and other space organizations. Also, consider the vast volume of space we're talking about. Even a few thousand objects could be easily tracked and avoided, especially given the 3rd dimension of altitude.

Answer 5

Sure there is a risk of colliding with junk. Once the shuttle is in "orbit" it is there WITH the junk also orbiting. From what I understand, in space size / weight does not matter, therefore everything would be traveling at the same speed. If everything is going the same speed, the risks of collision would be reduced.

Answer 6

I work at a NASA Deep Space tracking station and we actually do Orbital Debris tracks to map out the objects that orbit the Earth.

Answer 7

Yes. As I understand it; space suits have to be designed to withstand tiny meteor impacts that are the equivalent of a 22 caliber bullet. There is no end to the stuff flying around in space. Makes you wonder about that flimsy shuttle insulation doesn't it? The stuff must be tougher than we thing or else none of them would have made it back.

Answer 8

Yes. And one of the disadvantages of no private property in space is that there is no long-term environmental responsiblity. If various parts of space were privately owned there would be a vested interest in keeping the area clean and clear of debris, just as private property owners would do on Earth.

Answer 9

There's lots up there but space is a big place so the likelyhood of getting hit is low. They've had a few scares and close calls in the past and have had to change coarse on a few occasions.

Answer 10

Yes, that is why the Shuttle travels backend forward and upside down when in orbit.