How do micrometeoroids threaten spacecraft and the International Space Station?

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Meteorite The Hoba meteorite, lying where it was discovered in 1920 near Grootfontein, Namibia. The largest meteorite on Earth and an iron meteorite by classification, it consists of a nickel-iron alloy and is estimated to weigh about 60 tons.

Micrometeoroids pose a significant collision hazard to spacecraft and the International Space Station due to their extremely high speeds, which reach tens of kilometres per second.1

Even particles as small as a few hundred micrometres can cause severe damage through several mechanisms:

Structural Punctures: An impact can physically puncture vital components of a spacecraft.1
Electrical Failure: High-speed impacts can create a transient cloud of ions, which may cause electrical systems to short-circuit.1

To mitigate these risks, engineers incorporate protective measures into space hardware design. The International Space Station utilizes a "dust bumper," known as a Whipple shield, to guard against these impacts. Additionally, spacesuits designed for extravehicular activity include specialized outer layers to provide protection against micrometeoroids.1