Lockheed Martin to begin tracking potentially dangerous space debris

(The current number of space debris objects in orbit – Photo Credit: ESA)

Lockheed Martin, an aerospace and defence giant, has struck a deal with an Australian technology firm to track space debris that could pose a threat to orbiting satellites.

Gaia Space Telescope hit by micrometeoroids

(Artist’s impression of the Gaia satellite – Photo Credit: ESA/C. Carreau)

Scientists working with the European Space Agency’s Gaia Space Telescope have found that the spacecraft is being hit by micrometeoroids. The tiny specks of space dust were anticipated, however the telescope is being pelted with far more space debris than expected.

International Space Station performs ‘deboost’ to avoid space debris

(The station soaring 260 miles above Africa – Photo Credit: Reid Wiseman/NASA)

The International Space Station conducted a “deboost” on July 22nd, steering the orbiting laboratory away from a fragment of free-floating space debris that could have collided with the station.