Astronauts drop tool bag into orbit that you can see with binoculars
Astronauts on a recent all-female spacewalk at the International Space Station accidentally lost a $100,000 tool bag, prompting questions about procedures, safety tethers, and how such mishaps are handled in orbit. Commenters note that similar losses have occurred before and that, in low Earth orbit, such objects typically reenter and burn up rather than posing long-term debris risks. The thread also critiques media emphasis on the astronauts’ gender, speculates about potential robotic “space drones” for inspection or retrieval, and explains why space-rated tools are so expensive once testing and launch costs are included.
What Happened & Prior Incidents
- Tool bag was lost during an ISS spacewalk; NASA’s own brief note says it drifted away, was tracked, and poses low risk to the station.
- Commenters recall at least one similar 2008 incident and another involving cleanup from a grease gun.
- One rumor about tools being dropped on purpose to force an early return is countered by references to Russian accusations many consider propaganda or misinformation.
Procedures, Tethers, and Human Error
- Many assume everything is highly choreographed and ask for a detailed technical report; NASA’s blog post is seen as light on specifics.
- People note tools are usually tethered, suggesting a missed step; a video of a past loss looks to some “careless,” others see it as a simple mistake.
- Several emphasize astronauts are highly trained but still human and fallible.
- Discussion of double-tethering tools raises concern about tangling with the astronauts’ own safety lines.
Why Not Retrieve It? Drones & MMU
- Some propose a free-flying “space drone” with propulsion and a gripper for inspection and retrieval.
- Others point out risks: a misbehaving drone could slam into the ISS or destabilize it with thruster firings.
- Existing robotics like Canadarm and experimental free-flyers are mentioned as safer or partial analogues; bringing back an MMU is wistfully suggested.
Cost and Design of the Tool Bag
- The quoted ~$100k value prompts questions.
- Explanations given:
- Launch cost per pound dominates.
- Space/military tools follow strict specs, low-volume manufacturing, and destructive testing.
- Tools must work in vacuum (e.g., avoid cold welding) and be glove-friendly, lightweight, and durable.
Debris, Risk, and Reentry
- Commenters expect the bag’s low orbit to lead to atmospheric reentry and burn-up within months to a couple of years.
- Some criticize the article’s wording as implying that burning up “litters” the upper atmosphere; others say it was just clumsy phrasing and meant to describe general orbital debris.
Media Framing, Gender, and Language
- Multiple comments focus on the article’s emphasis on an “all-female” spacewalk and note that previous high-profile tool losses also involved women, fueling stereotypes.
- Some see this framing as bait for misogynistic reactions; others argue that if all-female spacewalks are celebrated as milestones, related mishaps will also be highlighted.
- There’s discussion of hostile online comments elsewhere and hints of the same tone in parts of this thread.
- A few people critique headline tense (“drop” vs. “dropped”) as confusing.
Training Anecdotes & Humor
- A story from the Neutral Buoyancy Lab: divers “retrieve” any tool an astronaut sets down in training, then display them on a “Lost Wall,” underscoring how easy it is to lose items.
- Many lighthearted tangents: 10mm wrench memes, “metric Crescent wrench,” pop culture references, and jokes about ultra-expensive tool brands and a “low-orbit Roomba.”