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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Astros Fire Up Thrusters to Dodge Trash

Space junk becomes increasing concern

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(Newser) – Discovery's astronauts fired thrusters yesterday to maneuver the million-pound International Space Station out of the path of approaching space junk, the third such threat to the orbiting lab in two weeks, reports Space.com. The four-inch chunk of debris—from a Chinese rocket that broke apart in 2000—was heading uncomfortably close to the $100 billion station just as the docked crew was planning to venture on a space walk later today.

Discovery crew members Joseph Acaba, top, and Steven Swanson work outside the international space station over the weekend.
Discovery crew members Joseph Acaba, top, and Steven Swanson work outside the international space station over the weekend.   (AP Photo/NASA TV)
Discovery crew member Steven Swanson works outside the international space station during a space walk Saturday.
Discovery crew member Steven Swanson works outside the international space station during a space walk Saturday.   (AP Photo/NASA TV)
The final truss for the International Space Station is extracted from the Space Shuttle's cargo bay last week.
The final truss for the International Space Station is extracted from the Space Shuttle's cargo bay last week.   (AP Photo/NASA)
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David Waters reports for Spaceflight Now on the Discovery crew's final spacewalk, scheduled for later today.   (spaceflightnow)

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 Approaching Debris 
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Space junk may come within 2 miles of station, shuttle

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(AP) - Two astronauts stepped out on a spacewalk to install a new tank of space-station coolant today as a large piece of orbiting junk headed their way. The old rocket part was expected to pass early tomorrow within 2 miles of the shuttle-station complex, considered a safe distance by NASA specialists.... More »

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