Astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara faced an unexpected hiccup during a routine spacewalk at the International Space Station when a tool bag slipped away.
The incident occurred while they were conducting maintenance on the outer part of the space station. NASA reported the mishap on November 1, explaining that the tool bag, which wasn’t crucial for the rest of the spacewalk, was accidentally lost.
Thanks to the station’s external cameras, flight controllers were able to locate the drifting tool bag. Although it’s now orbiting Earth in low-Earth orbit, NASA reassured that the tools inside it pose minimal risk to the space station.
Despite the potential concern, skywatchers with keen eyes might be able to spot the tool bag as it circles the planet. The accidental release adds a unique and unexpected element to space observation, reminding us that even routine tasks in the vastness of space can come with surprises.
The space agency continues to monitor the situation and ensures that the wandering tool bag won’t pose a threat to the International Space Station.
