03-13-2009, 01:04 AM
Even a small paint chip, if moving in exactly the opposite orbit that you are, can have enough energy thanks to 1/2M*V(squared) to punch a pretty nasty hole.
As I recall, the shuttle had a 3/8" deep pockmark put in a window by a paint chip the size of a pencil point.
Funny thing is; the recent Cosmos-Iridium colission, by itself isn't such a big deal... but it has brought attention to the many many thousands of bits of junk that is increasing every year in orbit.
Now maybe we can get some serious attention paid to plans to REDUCE space junk.
As I recall, the shuttle had a 3/8" deep pockmark put in a window by a paint chip the size of a pencil point.
Funny thing is; the recent Cosmos-Iridium colission, by itself isn't such a big deal... but it has brought attention to the many many thousands of bits of junk that is increasing every year in orbit.
Now maybe we can get some serious attention paid to plans to REDUCE space junk.