The satellite launched in 1991 to monitor the earth’s upper atmosphere will reenter the earth’s atmosphere overnight, burning and breaking-up upon reentry. That’s a fingerful of words. Regardless, if you’re looking toward the sky tonight and see an impressive burn-off, you’ll be seeing a very large piece of NASA equipment that has been in orbit for 20 years.
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is about the size of a bus,and weighs 6 tons. Most of the research satellite will be charred to ash when it pushes through the atmosphere. NASA has stated that other aspects of the satellite, including titanium fuel tanks and stainless batteries should withhold the intense heat and pressure of reentry. All in all, 26 pieces are expected to survive the burn, some of them weighing a few pounds–some of them weighing close to 300.
The fireworks should begin some point after 11PM EDT. The reentry is expected to take place within a four hour span between 11 and 3. So. Since you’re not doing anything on Friday night anyway, or may be walking home, just keep your eyes peeled, looking northerly in the night sky. UARS should push into the atmosphere somewhere over Canada, Africa, Australia…Italy’s northern region issued a warning, stating that there was a 1.5 percent chance that some wreckage could strike in the geographic region. It’s now looking like it may hit right in the middle of Africa, or it could plunge into one of earth’s body’s of water.
Individuals close to the leftovers are reminded that it is NASA property and shouldn’t be handled, and local authorities should be contacted. Seriously. Who knows what kind of crap could be on that thing? Space cooties or something.
I know you’re asking, so allow me to answer: NASA picks up the tab (aka American taxpayers pick up the tab) for any damage that occurs.
Comments
No comments.