Russian satellite breaks up into pieces, forces ISS astronauts to take shelter
Resurs-P1, a defunct satellite thrown into the space by Russia, shattered into pieces forcing the astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to run for cover.
[Resurs-P1 at the time of launch in 2013. (File image)]
Washington: Resurs-P1, a defunct satellite thrown into the space by Russia, shattered into pieces forcing the astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to run for cover.
Resurs-P1, decommissioned by the Russian space agency Roscosmos in 2021 broke into more than 100 pieces forcing the American space agency NASA to advise astronauts on-board ISS to remain inside shelters, US Space Command said.
“U.S. Space Command can confirm the break-up of Resurs-P1 (#39186), a Russian owned decommissioned satellite, that occurred on low Earth orbit on 26 June, 2024 at approximately 1000 MT (1600 UTC), resulting in over 100 pieces of trackable debris”, the commission said in a social media post.
Following the break-up of the non-operational Russian satellite, ISS astronauts remained in shelter for about an hour before it became clear the space station was not in the path of the debris.
“US Space Commission has observed no immediate threats and is continuing to conduct routine conjunction assessments to support the safety and sustainability of the space domain”, the Commission said.
There were no immediate details on what caused the break-up of the RESURS-P1 Russian Earth observation satellite. The Russian space agency has also not commented on the latest development.
The US Space Commission however said the satellite shattered into pieces was owned by Russia.
“As such, US Space Commission has notified commercial, governmental, allied and partner organisations via Space-Track.org, to include Russia as the satellite owner”, it said.
Among the astronauts who were forced to run for cover was also Indian American Sunita Williams.
This event highlights the ongoing challenge of space debris and the importance of safety protocols in orbital operations. It also demonstrated the Starliner's capability to serve as a potential lifeboat in emergency situations, a crucial function for any crew vehicle docked at the ISS.
Sunita Williams went to the space for an 8-day mission three weeks ago. Her return to Earth has been delayed due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft.
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