However, when they are travelling many times faster than a bullet from a high velocity rifle, the threat increases. Larger particles that could knock a satellite out of its normal position are unlikely. This could result in some physical damage to sensitive areas of satellites. A form of sandblasting can erode satellite surfaces such as thermal insulation blankets. However, the most likely form of damage is to vulnerable power systems.
Past evidence suggests that the risks are fairly low.
Furthermore, no spacecraft were damaged by the 1966 Leonid storm. However, there are now over 10 times as many as in the mid-1960s. Spacecraft operators are taking no chances. The Space Shuttle mission that carried John Glenn was timed to avoid the Leonid shower. Cosmonauts on the Mir space station may play safe by moving into the attached Soyuz lifeboat at the peak of the shower.