The ISS will be equipped with the system for emergency avoidance of space debris — the necessary software has already been downloaded to the station’s computers and its operational test is scheduled for mid-December, RIA Novosti reports.

«The standard Debris Avoidance Maneuver (DAM) assumes that the decision on avoidance must be taken at least 23.5 hours before approaching the dangerous object", — NASA said.

The new system may be used in case of time pressure – when the dangerous object has been detected too late. The Pre-Determined Debris Avoidance Maneuver (PDAM) allows taking the decision on avoidance just three hours before approaching the space debris.

The engines of Russian Progress cargo space craft docked with the station will be used for performing the emergency translation maneuver. The impulse may be generated 140 minutes before the dangerous approach.

"The new software for PDAM has already been downloaded to the onboard computer … The PDAM may be tested in mid-December during planned ascent of the ISS’ orbit", — NASA noted.