Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

To: roadcat

Exactly...There are not many sections of the ISS that would be protected against a micrometeor. Remember, the pressure differential in space is basically one atmosphere. This is literally nothing compared to say, the pressure differential at 300 feet deep in the ocean, much less 30000 feet.

The ISS is pressurized at about 15 psi...Not much of a thruster. :) The pressure loss would identified by the environmental monitoring systems immediately, and a patch applied.


8 posted on 06/02/2016 6:06:37 AM PDT by Heavyrunner (Socialize this.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies ]


To: Heavyrunner
The ISS is pressurized at about 15 psi...Not much of a thruster.

Excellent point. Guess there isn't much to worry about regards a micro-meteor hit (that is, unless it hits one in the eye). I recall that one of the space shuttles got hit on the windshield, but it didn't penetrate all the way (a glancing blow). If it did penetrate, it could have caused explosive decompression on re-entry (similar to what happened to the Columbia).

9 posted on 06/02/2016 3:46:37 PM PDT by roadcat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies ]

To: Heavyrunner; roadcat
...The ISS is pressurized at about 15 psi...

The ISS is pressurized to at much lower pressure of an oxygen enriched gas. I think this is below even 7.5 PSI.

12 posted on 06/02/2016 4:39:17 PM PDT by GingisK
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson