the great fear of the seven astronauts aboard the ISS

The various successful missions in space almost make us forget the risks that astronauts take. An event that has just taken place can remind us of this. The seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) were forced to return to their capsules and be ready in the event of an evacuation. Indeed, the Russians would have carried out a missile test which would have generated more than 1,500 pieces of debris. The astronauts having arrived in the station barely 72 hours ago, this event could have already marked the end of their mission.

The danger was that the astronauts present would be struck by space debris shooting at 20 times the speed of a rifle bullet. This test allegedly carried out by the Russians did not fail to anger the Americans. “This test will increase the risks for the ISS crew. Russia’s dangerous and irresponsible behavior threatens the long-term viability of the space“, said Ned Price, spokesperson for the US State Department. On the Russian side, the incident is minimized. “He there is a risk, but a calculated risk. Either way, the center on earth is in control.“, explains Alexander Lazutkin, cosmonaut. A great fright which resulted in more fear than harm.