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SLCW
1w ago
It was a half-inch piece of plastic. Space junk from a rocket stage separation.
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npub1ehkvx
@npub1ehkvx
1w ago
Plastic as space junk is a new one to me
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SLCW
@SLCW
1w ago
And actually, I was mistaken as to the source of this particular piece of plastic. I did some investigation into this photo and apparently, it was an intentional test on the ISS using a light-gas gun in close quarters to show how much damage even a tiny amount of space debris can do. It used a small, 1g piece of plastic the size of a pencil eraser against the block of solid aluminum.
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npub1ehkvx
@npub1ehkvx
1w ago
Okay, fair enough. LoL solid aluminium is such a joke. Aluminium is so soft.
Should have tested steel
Should have tested steel
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SLCW
@SLCW
1w ago
Given that it was meant to be a demonstration of what tiny pieces of space debris can do to structures like the ISS, with a longterm presence in orbit, I think the choice of aluminum makes sense. The most used material on the ISS is aluminum alloy. The Node modules were actually crafted from a single block of aluminum each. There is some stainless steel in its construction, but it's structural, and relatively insignificant compared with the amount of aluminum used.
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npub1ehkvx
@npub1ehkvx
1w ago
Most certainly, aluminium is easier to mould and fabricate than steel.
In fact all cybertrucks are aluminium manifolds
In fact all cybertrucks are aluminium manifolds
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SLCW
@SLCW
1w ago
* NOT structural
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SLCW
@SLCW
1w ago
It shouldn't be. There's all kinds of plastic parts and trim and lining attachments and other auxiliary hardware in rockets as well on the ISS. It's definitely not inconceivable that a small piece of plastic would be among the countless pieces of space debris that are orbiting the planet.
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npub1ehkvx
@npub1ehkvx
1w ago
Yeah I'm not convinced that plastic has the fortitude to get to space, let alone survive the trip or heat.
It's got to be metal or meteorological? I mean, if this is plastic what would be a stone or a bolt?
It's got to be metal or meteorological? I mean, if this is plastic what would be a stone or a bolt?
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