Recently, NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara accidentally let go of a tool bag during a repair mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
The blunder, captured on live stream, turned a routine task into a costly mishap, with the tool bag, valued at $100,000, now orbiting the Earth at a staggering speed of 17,000 mph! Let’s look a little closer at this truly ridiculous story!
A Pricy Blunder
As Moghbeli and O’Hara carried out repairs on the ISS exterior, their tool bag floated away despite their attempts to save it. Now, the tool bag has become an unintended satellite, visible to amateur astronomers and other astronauts alike as it races ahead of the ISS!
Amateur astronomers and enthusiasts have reported sightings of the tool bag as it orbits Earth, easily visible with binoculars or a telescope. Its highly reflective surface gives it a visual magnitude of approximately 6, making it just slightly dimmer than the distant planet Uranus. To catch a glimpse, observers need to track the ISS using NASA’s app and look for the tool bag floating approximately two to five minutes ahead of the station.
A Space Junkyard
While the tool bag continues its rapid descent, reaching an altitude of around 70 miles over Earth, it will likely lead to disintegration due to intense atmospheric forces. This lost tool bag, now officially identified as “58229/1998-067WC”, becomes another addition to the growing collection of space debris encircling our planet.
Interestingly, the loss of a tool in space is not an unprecedented event. In 2008, astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper misplaced hers during a repair mission on the space shuttle Endeavour. This led to tool-watching parties organized by amateur astronomers to track its orbit. Other items, including a spare glove in 1965 and a camera in 2007, have also found their way into the cosmic junkyard.
Delicious Protein-Rich Smoothies for a Healthy Boost
By Michelle Bullier –
In the summer of 2023, high-protein smoothies emerged as a delightful and nutritious trend, offering a sweet, creamy, and sip-worthy way to boost your protein intake. Whether you crave raspberry, mango, strawberry, or spinach with banana, each smoothie boasts at least 13 grams of the essential macronutrient, keeping you satisfied and energized. Here are a few delectable high-protein smoothie options, each packed with wholesome ingredients to nourish your body.
Almond Cherry Smoothie
This vegan smoothie is a nutrient powerhouse, brimming with antioxidants from frozen cherries and spinach. Customize your blend with flaxseeds, Greek yogurt, or vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost full of antioxidants.
Avocado-Spinach Green Smoothie
Get ready for a super-creamy sipper by blending avocado into your smoothie. This masterpiece gets an additional protein punch from collagen and a splash of kefir. With its smooth texture and refreshing taste, it’s an excellent way to kickstart your day with a nutritious boost.
Breakfast Coffee Smoothie
Enjoy the best of breakfast flavors in one sip with this smoothie that blends oats, bananas, and coffee. Say hello to a burst of morning energy!
Carrot Cake Smoothie
Indulge in the flavors of carrot cake with this creamy and decadent smoothie, packed with nutrients and wholesome goodness. Delight your taste buds while nourishing your body in the morning with this win-win combination.
Dragon Fruit Smoothie
Embrace the vibrant magenta color of frozen dragon fruit in this refreshing smoothie. With a protein boost from riced cauliflower, it’s a delicious way to fuel your body.
Healthy Hot Chocolate Smoothie
Perfect for starting your day or replenishing after a workout, this low-calorie, vegan smoothie offers a healthy twist on classic hot chocolate. For a warm version, heat the milk and blend the smoothie using it for a cozy treat.
Matcha Strawberry Smoothie
Harness the power of matcha, the antioxidant-packed superfood, in this delightful vegan smoothie. You can even replace your morning cup of java with the energizing caffeine found in this concentrated green tea powder.
Pineapple-Cucumber Smoothie
Elevate your smoothie game with the vibrant magenta color of frozen dragon fruit, and fuel your body with additional protein from riced cauliflower. The refreshing blend of pineapple and cucumber makes getting your greens a fun experience.
Pretty in Pink Peach Smoothie
Made with five simple ingredients, this easy peach smoothie offers the right amount of sweetness from ripe peaches and berries. Packed with protein from Greek yogurt, it’s a delightful sweet treat for your taste buds.