Serious threat of space debris on the space station
In the past three years the International Space Station (ISS) had to change its orbit five time to avoid orbiting "junk" from ripping right through the station vital and fragile shell. In fact on June 28th astronauts took shelter in a heavily fortified section of the space station as a object was detected only fourteen hours before an expected impact. Although it passed one thousand feet from the outside of the station, the countless objects remain a continuous threat.
Russia has blown up many off their satellites which happen to fall within the ISS orbit band, placing thousands of objects in direct line for impact. In 2007 China demonstrated their capabilities to destroy satellites with the take down of one of their own. Thousands of additional objects have been added to the frey. In 2009 an American and a Russian satellite collided producing thousands more for the orbiting path. In other words, the ISS is under constant danger.
With an estimated 1 in 8 chance of an impact, the ISS may end up becoming a short lived destination for space travelers. There are some thin kevlar based protective shields placed over critical components, they will not be able to protect against larger objects. Perhaps collecting space garbage is imperative.
Http://www.element14.com/community/message/19899#19899
Though it may all come too late. The ISS is scheduled to be abandoned in 2020.
Eavesdropper
