According to current estimates by NASA, there are over 27,000 pieces of space junk, big and small, floating in outer space and this number is expected to grow exponentially with the launch of more satellites in the future. Neil DeGrease Tyson revealed that the severely damaged block was hit by a plastic piece that weighed just 14 grams (~0.494 oz.)but was flying at a speed of 24,000 kilometres per hour (~14,914 mph.)