Humans in space have a lot to contend with, and for those orbiting in low-Earth orbit, space debris is a real concern.
So what's the risk to astronauts on-board the International Space Station? How safe are they when they perform a space walk, and what are the "clanking" sounds they report hearing? Find out in episode 8 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris podcast with Vitali Braun and Ottavia Pesce.
While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2021/03/Space_debris_and_human_spaceflight
**Links referred to in the podcast:
The robotic arm on the International Space Station checks the Columbus module for signs of impact: https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Hundreds_of_impacts_crater_ESA_s_Columbus_science_laboratory
The 7 mm-diameter impact chip in the Cupola of the ISS, gouged out by a tiny piece of space debris: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2016/05/Impact_chip#.YGQpHyPoJgY.link
