The space shuttle may have been hit by a micrometeorite that damaged part of their power supply. During the 1940s and 1950s, meteorite impacts and showers were a big part of space stories, especially on TV shows.

My favorite meteorite story is, of course, Heinlein’s Gentlemen, Be Seated about some space jockeys who plug a meteorite hole by sitting on it until help comes.

Spacewalkers to inspect station for meteoroid strike: “The station is not in any danger and is still producing enough power to support the arrival of a Russian cargo ship this month, said station deputy program manager Kirk Shireman.”