Humans in space have a lot to contend with, and for those orbiting in low-Earth orbit, space debris is a real concern.

So what's the risk to astronauts on-board the International Space Station? How safe are they when they perform a space walk, and what are the "clanking" sounds they report hearing? Find out in episode 8 of the ESA-UNOOSA space debris podcast with Vitali Braun and Ottavia Pesce.

While you listen, check out the corresponding infographic that illustrates this topic: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…d_human_spaceflight

**Links referred to in the podcast:

The robotic arm on the International Space Station checks the Columbus module for signs of impact: www.esa.int/Safety_Security/Hun…_science_laboratory

The 7 mm-diameter impact chip in the Cupola of the ISS, gouged out by a tiny piece of space debris: www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Imag…p#.YGQpHyPoJgY.link