Unidentified Spacecraft Enters Earth’s Atmosphere and Disintegrates Over Midwestern Region
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Chinese Satellite Burns Up, Drops Debris Over US
On December 21 or 22, 2024, a defunct earth-imaging satellite made in China suffered a catastrophic failure as it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere. The incident has raised concerns about the potential risks and consequences of space debris falling to the ground.
According to astronomers, the satellite, identified as GaoJing 1-02 (Superview 1-02), began its tumultuous return to earth above New Orleans and likely disintegrated as it continued north. NASA scientist Marc Fries observed that at least four weather radars picked up falling debris as the fireball traveled directly over Jackson, Mississippi and on towards Arkansas and Missouri.
The satellite’s re-entry was initially mistaken for a meteor by many eyewitnesses, but experts have confirmed its identity. McDowell noted that GaoJing 1-02 is relatively small in size, and it’s possible that it burned up entirely in the air without anything reaching the ground. However, scientists warn that even if no large fragments were found, there may be smaller pieces of debris scattered across the affected areas.
The American Meteor Society has received over 120 reports of the fireball created by the incinerating satellite, indicating a widespread sighting of the event. McDowell stated that GaoJing 1-02 switched off almost two years ago and began an uncontrollable descent towards its eventual demise in the atmosphere or potentially even on the surface.
It’s worth noting that this incident is not unique. Re-entry of satellites, particularly smaller spacecraft that spend all their time in space in low-earth orbit, has become a common occurrence today.
Source: www.forbes.com
