Tool Bag Lost by NASA Astronauts Spotted in Telescope Image
In a surprising turn of events, a lost tool bag from the International Space Station (ISS) has been spotted in a telescope image taken on November 16, 2023. The tool bag, which was accidentally dropped by NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara during a spacewalk on November 1, appeared as a bright dot of light in the center of the image captured by the Virtual Telescope Project.
Flight controllers have determined that the tool bag poses a low risk of recontacting the space station, ensuring the safety of the crew and the station. It is expected that the tool bag will orbit Earth for a few months before burning up in the atmosphere at an altitude of 70 miles (113 kilometers).
The lost tool bag has also been given a U.S. Space Force designation and is now cataloged as object 58229/1998–067WC. This highlights the growing concern surrounding space debris and its potential risks to space missions.
NASA continuously monitors space debris near the ISS and has had to move the station out of harm’s way nearly 40 times in its history. With the increasing number of launches and satellites in orbit, there is a growing amount of space junk. Models suggest that there may be 130 million pieces of space debris larger than a millimeter.
Currently, there are 6,718 satellites in orbit, with NORAD tracking a total of 45,000 objects. The discovery of the lost tool bag serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by astronauts, despite their extensive training for spacewalks. Accidents can still happen, with tools or small items occasionally being dropped during missions.
This is not the first time tools have been lost during spacewalks. In 2008, astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper dropped a tool bag, and in 2006, astronaut Piers Sellers lost a spatula. These incidents highlight the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate space debris and ensure the safety of future space missions.
As space exploration continues to expand, it is crucial to address the issue of space junk to protect both astronauts and valuable equipment. Only through proactive measures and international cooperation can the growing problem of space debris be effectively tackled.
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