Shuttle Faces Debris Risk, Panel Warns
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
The space shuttle and the planned international space station will face a growing risk from orbiting debris traveling thousands of miles an hour, a panel of experts said. In a report released by the National Research Council, the committee recommended that NASA strengthen shielding in parts of the space shuttle. Orbital travel is at such high speeds that even very small objects can put huge dents in the craft and large objects could penetrate the crew compartment, the NRC report said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
