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False alarm: No space junk threat after all to SpaceX crew
by Marcia Dunn, The Associated Press
Posted Apr 26, 2021 12:43 pm EDT
Last Updated Apr 26, 2021 at 12:44 pm EDT
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. SpaceX’s four astronauts had barely settled into orbit last Friday when they were ordered back into their spacesuits because of a potential collision with orbiting junk.
It turns out there was no object and no threat, the U.S. Space Command acknowledged Monday. The false alarm is under review.
Lt. Col. Erin Dick, a spokeswoman for Space Command, said it was believed at the time that an object was going to come close to the newly launched SpaceX capsule carrying a crew to the International Space Station.
False Alarm: Space Command Says Space Junk Never a Threat to SpaceX Crew
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule approaches the International Space Station for docking on Saturday, April 24, 2021. (NASA via AP)
26 Apr 2021
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. SpaceX s four astronauts had barely settled into orbit last Friday when they were ordered back into their spacesuits because of a potential collision with orbiting junk.
It turns out there was no object and no threat, the U.S. Space Command acknowledged Monday. The false alarm is under review.
Lt. Col. Erin Dick, a spokeswoman for Space Command, said it was believed at the time that an object was going to come close to the newly launched SpaceX capsule carrying a crew to the International Space Station.
Credit: AP
In this Saturday, April 24, 2021 photo made available by NASA, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule approaches the International Space Station for docking. (NASA via AP)
Astronauts typically get a fair amount of advance notice of potential close calls, with enough time to even dodge out of the way, if necessary. Friday’s situation, however, popped up quickly just several hours after liftoff.
The Space Command’s 18th Space Control Squadron immediately alerted NASA. Then SpaceX and NASA notified the astronauts, urging them to put on their suits and lower their helmet visors. The drama played out live on NASA TV.
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