NASA: International Space Station almost crashes into space junk

On Saturday, the International Space Station was forced to take emergency evasive maneuvers in order to avoid crashing into space debris. It was an unplanned but a necessary move by NASA to avoid colliding with the space junk floating nearby. Read on to find out more.

The International Space Station (ISS) photographed by Expedition 56 crew members from a Soyuz spacecraft after undocking, October 4, 2018. (REUTERS)

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1/5 The International Space Station (ISS) photographed by Expedition 56 crew members from a Soyuz spacecraft after undocking, October 4, 2018. (REUTERS)

According to Russian Space Agency Roscomos, the Progress MS-18 is a space shuttle that is used to resupply the International Space Station, where it is currently docked. (NASA)

2/5 According to Russian Space Agency Roscomos, the Progress MS-18 is a space shuttle that is used to resupply the International Space Station, where it is currently docked. (NASA)

After the successful completion of the evasive maneuver, the International Space Station is currently orbiting the Earth at a height of 414 kilometers, just shy of its maximum permitted orbiting height of 438 kilometers, according to Roscomos on Telegram. (AP)

3/5 After the successful completion of the evasive maneuver, the International Space Station is currently orbiting the Earth at a height of 414 kilometers, just shy of its maximum permitted orbiting height of 438 kilometers, according to Roscomos on Telegram. (AP)

The collection of debris in and around Earth’s orbit is becoming a major problem for space agencies around the world. This debris is susceptible to collision with the International Space Station, which could cause catastrophic damage (REUTERS)

4/5 The collection of debris in and around Earth’s orbit is becoming a major problem for space agencies around the world. This debris is susceptible to collision with the International Space Station, which could cause catastrophic damage (REUTERS)

In November 2021, Russia destroyed an unused military satellite orbiting in space which resulted in threat of collision with the International Space Station. Thankfully, the danger passed by without any harm but the crew of the International Space Station had to rush and take shelter in spaceships as a precautionary manner. (REUTERS)

5/5 In November 2021, Russia destroyed an unused military satellite orbiting in space which resulted in threat of collision with the International Space Station. Thankfully, the danger passed by without any harm but the crew of the International Space Station had to rush and take shelter in spaceships as a precautionary manner. (REUTERS)