NASA Satellite Debris to Fall to Earth

Parts of a large NASA satellite are expected to fall to Earth in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the American space agency. Although the chance of anyone being hit is extremely low, NASA and the Space Force are closely monitoring the re-entry.

The spacecraft, weighing approximately 600 kilograms, is one of two probes launched in 2012 to study the Van Allen radiation belts. Re-entry into the atmosphere is expected around 1:45 AM Cyprus time. While most of the spacecraft will burn up, some components may survive.

The probability of someone being injured is estimated at 1 in 4,200. NASA and the Space Force will continue to monitor the re-entry and provide updates.

The fall of space debris is not uncommon. However, the chances of someone being hit are low due to the large amount of water on the Earth's surface.

A notable incident is that of Lottie Williams, who was hit by a metallic piece in 1997, without injury.

The satellite expected to re-enter is the Van Allen Probe A, part of a mission to explore the Van Allen belts. It was deactivated in 2019 when it ran out of fuel.