Spacewalking astronauts replace antenna after satellite debris scare

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. » Spacewalking astronauts replaced a broken antenna outside the International Space Station on Thursday after getting NASA’S all-clear for orbiting debris.

U.S. astronauts Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron were supposed to complete the job Tuesday, but NASA delayed the spacewalk because of potentially threatening space junk. NASA later determined the astronauts were safe to go out, despite a slightly increased risk of a punctured suit from satellite wreckage.

Russia destroyed an old satellite in a missile test nearly three weeks ago, sending pieces everywhere. NASA isn’t saying whether the object of concern was from that event.

NASA VIA AP This photo provided by NASA shows astronaut Tom Marshburn replacing a broken antenna outside the International Space Station after getting NASA’S all-clear for orbiting debris on Thursday. Marshburn and Kayla Barron completed the job during the same session.