The International Space Station was not hit by an object in orbit, say Russian space officials. American Michael Foale and Russian Alexander Kaleri reported hearing a metallic crushing sound, apparently from an unoccupied part of the station. Russian space officials said there appeared to be no damage to the outside of the craft or change in air pressure inside, and that the two men were safe. They have now confirmed that the noise came from an onboard instrument. Michael Foale, the station's commander, and Alexander Kaleri said they heard the sound as they were completing their breakfast and cleanup period. No outside damage was found and, following an investigation, it was concluded that the sound came from equipment inside the space station. The US Department of Defense monitors the ISS's orbit for space debris using radar. If it forecasts that a close approach may occur the ISS can move out of the way.

Michael Foale, who was born near Louth in Lincolnshire, is no stranger to space station impacts. He was onboard the Mir space station in 1997 when a Progress supply tanker crashed into it - one of the most dangerous incidents to have ever taken place in space.

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