Mike,
Space stations get peppered with meteoroids hundreds of time a day. The design issues have long been worked out (Think Salyut in the early '70's). In the case of the ISS, the habitable area is small compared to the whole of the structure and a lot of that structure shields the habitable areas. In addition the habitable areas are covered with insulation to deal with thermal control. This is essentially layered Mylar with insulating material between the layers. In addition to thermal control, these layers also absorb the meteoroid impacts and dissipate their energy.
During expected peaks in activity such as last night the station can be oriented to present the least amount of habitable area to the on coming stream.
Needless to say there is more to it, but that's the basic idea.
Clear Skies
Rick Tejera Editor SACnews, Public Outreach Coordinator Saguaro Astronomy Club Phoenix, Arizona www.saguaroastro.org saguaroastro@cox.net K7TEJ, AMSAT 38452
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Michael Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 13:51 To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Clint
I wondered that on previous showers and NASA is quite relaxed about the situation. That being said I wonder what the ISS is made from to with stand a storm? Mike N8GBU _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb