Eli5 How do satellites avoid constant destruction from space debris?

Question

In light of the new James Webb telescope being hit by a micrometeoroid causing damage to the mirrors, how do most space satellites avoid complete destruction from random bits of rock or debris floating in space? Shouldn’t probes like voyager be already completely destroyed by random collisions?

In: 2

Answer 1

They don’t. This is the 5th impact the JT Telescope has taken so far. But it has incredibly fine tuned setup to the point that these, still small, bumps are noticeable in its case. Fortunately it has margin for error and they’re able to work around it.