International Space Station Executes Two Debris Avoidance Maneuvers in a Week

The ISS adjusted its orbit twice within seven days to evade hazardous space debris, highlighting the growing challenges of operating in low Earth orbit.

• On November 19 and November 25, the ISS performed evasive maneuvers to avoid fragments of space debris, using thrusters from the docked Progress 89 cargo spacecraft.
• The November 25 maneuver raised the station’s orbit by approximately 1,650 feet, ensuring the safety of the seven crew members aboard the ISS.
• NASA reports that the ISS has conducted 39 collision avoidance maneuvers since its launch in 1998, with increasing concerns over the rise of space debris in low Earth orbit.
• Factors contributing to the debris problem include defunct satellites, fragments from past collisions, and events like Russia's 2021 anti-satellite test, which created long-lasting hazards.
• Experts emphasize the urgent need for proactive debris mitigation strategies, such as deorbiting retired satellites and international collaboration to manage orbital congestion effectively.

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