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Astros Fire Up Thrusters to Dodge Trash

Space junk becomes increasing concern

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Mar 23, 2009 2:10 AM CDT

(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.

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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. (AP Photo/NASA TV)

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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Astros Fire Up Thrusters to Dodge Trash