Samstwitch
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Pretty scary! 
40-Ton Space Junk Satellite To Fall To Earth Soon
The European Space Agency estimates that a 40-metric-ton satellite will run out of fuel in mid-October 2013 and then hurl back to Earth in an uncontrolled descent from an orbital height of about 139 miles (224 kilometers).
The ESA cautioned that, while most of the satellite will disintegrate in the atmosphere, several parts might reach Earth’s surface. Exactly when and where the space junk debris will crash cannot yet be predicted, but the affected area will be narrowed down by ESA scientists closer to the time of re-entry. Re-entry is expected to happen about three weeks after the fuel is depleted.
Because two-thirds of Earth is covered by oceans and vast land areas are thinly populated, the ESA reasoned that danger to life or property is very low. An international campaign is monitoring the descent, which includes the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee. The situation is being continuously watched by ESA’s Space Debris Office, which will issue reentry predictions and risk assessments. The ESA will also keep its Member States and the relevant safety authorities permanently updated.
CONTINUED: Click Me to read full article
(Originally found at Artbell.com)
40-Ton Space Junk Satellite To Fall To Earth Soon
The European Space Agency estimates that a 40-metric-ton satellite will run out of fuel in mid-October 2013 and then hurl back to Earth in an uncontrolled descent from an orbital height of about 139 miles (224 kilometers).
The ESA cautioned that, while most of the satellite will disintegrate in the atmosphere, several parts might reach Earth’s surface. Exactly when and where the space junk debris will crash cannot yet be predicted, but the affected area will be narrowed down by ESA scientists closer to the time of re-entry. Re-entry is expected to happen about three weeks after the fuel is depleted.
Because two-thirds of Earth is covered by oceans and vast land areas are thinly populated, the ESA reasoned that danger to life or property is very low. An international campaign is monitoring the descent, which includes the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee. The situation is being continuously watched by ESA’s Space Debris Office, which will issue reentry predictions and risk assessments. The ESA will also keep its Member States and the relevant safety authorities permanently updated.
CONTINUED: Click Me to read full article
(Originally found at Artbell.com)