There is a lot of space just floating around in our universe; there are over 27,000 bits of space junk, big and small, gliding around in outer space, and this number is expected to grow over time. Neil DeGrease Tyson, a popular figure, went on Twitter and shared a photo of an aluminium block with a substantial breadth that had been capitulated by a flying piece of space junk.

Tyson revealed that the badly damaged block was struck by a plastic piece weighing only 14 grammes but travelling at 24,000 kilometres per hour, numerous times faster than a speeding bullet.

You’re not seriously implying that Dragon can resist this type of impact, are you?

— CommonSenseSkeptic (@C_S_Skeptic) June 17, 2022

Elon Musk responded to the strange tweet, saying, “That’s why Dragon has shields.” SpaceX is a spacecraft manufacturer that launches sophisticated rockets and spacecraft into orbit. However, the primary goal is to reduce space transportation costs and enable Mars colonisation.

The image was originally posted on Reddit by an engineer who disclosed that the sturdy block was effected during a test simulating the effects of even small pieces in space. The Dragon spacecraft can transport up to seven passengers to and from Earth orbit and beyond. It is presently the only spacecraft capable of returning significant amounts of cargo to Earth.

The Dragon spacecraft is outfitted with 16 Draco thrusters, which are used to keep the spacecraft oriented during the mission.

Cover Image: Twitter/Elon Musk