Things You Don't Want to Hear In Outer Space

Think it's tough fixing your car in the driveway? Try diagnosing a problem in zero gravity.

Astronauts conducting a spacewalk at the International Space Station this weekend discovered a layer of metal shavings inside a joint of a critical solar-power mechanism, indicating that recent problems may be more difficult to fix than hoped.

The solar panel join had been acting up lately, experiencing power surges and unexpected vibrations – probably acceptable from a '68 Chevy, but deeply worrisome in outer space.

During the spacewalk, astronaut Daniel Tani told controllers that the problem seems to be metal grating on metal. As quoted in the AP:

The shavings resembled small flakes and were clinging to the joint as if to a magnet, Tani said. "It looks like a dusty table that you'd want to dust at home," he called down.

Problems indeed. Permanent damage is a possibility. Controllers are still trying to figure out whether they'll need to fix it – if that's even possible – or whether the crew can work around the problem after the Discovery shuttle's departure.

Trouble found on space station device [Associated Press]

(Image: The ISS stretches its solar panels. Credit: NASA)