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Russian Cosmonauts Jettison Unneeded Equipment During ISS Spacewalk to Reduce Space Debris Risks”?
Russian cosmonauts jettisoned old equipment into space during an ISS spacewalk.
Russian cosmonauts tossed old equipment overboard during an ISS spacewalk, according to a report by Space.com. The incident occurred in June 2023 when the cosmonauts were conducting a spacewalk to replace a piece of communication equipment. They jettisoned the old equipment shortly after installing the new one.
In addition to jettisoning hardware, the spacewalk also included the installation of a new stanchion for high-speed telemetry equipment and the retrieval of a micrometeoroid impact experiment that had been mounted outside the space station for a number of years.
Space.com
The discarded equipment was jettisoned into space and will eventually burn up upon reentering the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the incident has raised concerns about the growing amount of debris in orbit and the need to address this issue. Space agencies around the world are working to develop solutions to mitigate the risks posed by space debris, including developing methods to remove debris from orbit and designing satellites that are easier to deorbit at the end of their useful life.
The Russian cosmonauts’ decision to jettison old equipment during their spacewalk highlights the importance of managing space debris. As we continue to explore and utilize space, it is essential to address this growing issue to ensure the safety and sustainability of our activities in space.