Heads up! A US satellite has lost power and is currently plunging towards the Earth. It is expected to crash land in February. The satellite, of the size of a small bus, is estimated to be around 20000 pounds. Officials are not able to pinpoint the exact location where it might crash.
It is feared that there could be some hazardous material on board. Some anonymous reports say that the spacecraft could contain Hydrazine, a rocket fuel. It is a toxic chemical that could cause harm on contact with the skin.
John Pike, an intelligence expert feared that such a crash could result in the exposure of US secrets. Usually such satellites would be directed to the ocean so that no one can access it.This is not the first instance of such occurances. Earlier on 11th july 1979 the US space laboratory, Skylab plunged to the Earth and scattered debris over western Australia.
It is feared that there could be some hazardous material on board. Some anonymous reports say that the spacecraft could contain Hydrazine, a rocket fuel. It is a toxic chemical that could cause harm on contact with the skin.
John Pike, an intelligence expert feared that such a crash could result in the exposure of US secrets. Usually such satellites would be directed to the ocean so that no one can access it.This is not the first instance of such occurances. Earlier on 11th july 1979 the US space laboratory, Skylab plunged to the Earth and scattered debris over western Australia.
So can the satellite be destroyed ala Bruce Willis style (in the movie ‘Armageddon’)? No, says the Intelligence expert. Shooting it down with a missile would create a lot of debris that would hit the ground or burn up in the atmosphere.So the next time when you spot something odd above your head don’t dismiss it as a bird or as Superman; it could be the runaway satellite. So be careful as to where you park your car!
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