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NASA Eyes Shifting Space Station Orbit To Avoid Debris

October 31, 2012

The orbit of the International Space Station may be adjusted to avoid a collision with debris from a U.S. communications satellite.

The U.S. space agency NASA says a fragment from the satellite is expected to come within range of the ISS six times on October 31 and November 1.

NASA and Russian ballistic experts are deciding whether to use the propulsion unit of a currently docked supply spacecraft to alter the orbit of the ISS if the debris becomes a hazard.

A new supply craft blasted off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome on October 31 carrying 2.9 tons of supplies, including fuel, oxygen, and water, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables for the six astronauts on board.

Based on reporting by nasa.gov, Interfax, and ITAR-TASS

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/nasa-possible-shift-iss-space-station-orbit-debris/24756393.html

Copyright (c) 2012. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.