NextGov
Tech Insider
What's happening in the federal IT community

Falling Satellite? Not to Worry
By Allan Holmes  |  Wednesday, January 30, 2008 |  2:16 PM

You may have heard that federal agencies are monitoring an American spy satellite that is predicted to enter the Earth's atmosphere, with the possibility of some debris reaching the ground. Air Force Gen. Gene Renuart, head of the U.S. Northern Command, says "the size of the satellite suggests that some number of pieces will not burn up as the orbiting vehicle re-enters the Earth's atmosphere and will hit the ground," the AP reports.

But Wire Magazine's Danger Room blog says not to worry. The chance of debris hitting someone is "pretty darn minuscule." They've posted a video of a Russian rocket body re-entering the atmosphere over Denver to make the point.

Post a comment







Comments

Let's see...the USAF general in charge of Northern Command says some debris may hit the ground.

Some magazine's blog says not to worry.

Guess who I'm going to believe?

F C Frese  | Monday, February 4, 2008 |  8:54 AM