Shuttle Discovery-ISS maneuvered again to avoid space debris

Space Shuttle Discovery, currently docked to the International Space Station (ISS) was ordered to fire its thrusters to slightly lower the orbit of the combination. This was done to maneuver away from a piece of orbital debris being described as 10 centimeters (four inches) in diameter. The object, according to Reuters, comes from a 1999 Chinese launch event.

Responding to questions posed by MSNBC, NASA Flight Director Kwatsi Alibaruho said, "Space debris is becoming an ever-increasing challenge. [Orbital debris is] a big deal. It's very tiring. Sometimes it's exhausting."

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Reuters
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