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A missile launched by Russia would have forced the seven astronauts present in the ISS to return to their capsules to be evacuated urgently to Earth.
The various successful missions in space can sometimes make you forget the risks that astronauts take, and yet. The seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been constrained to join their capsules, and enjoined to stand readys in the event of an evacuation. Indeed, the Russians would have carried out a missile test which would have generated more than 1,500 debris. The astronauts having arrived at 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 angered the Americans. “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.