Out-of-control rocket stage is tumbling toward Earth [View all]
Source: CNN
(CNN)Space experts are tracking a Russian rocket part that is set to make an uncontrolled reentry into Earth's atmosphere within the next 24 hours. The Angara-A5 heavy-lift rocket was launched from the Plesetsk spaceport in Russia's northwestern Arkhangelsk region on Monday, December 27. The launch was testing a new upper rocket stage, known as the Persei booster, according to the state-run TAS news agency.
Risk level
While it was highly unlikely that it would cause damage or hurt anyone, "the risk is real and cannot be ignored," he said.
In May 2021, NASA lambasted China for its failure to "meet responsible standards" after debris from an out-of-control rocket used to launch China's space station plunged into the Indian Ocean.
Original intentions
He added that the Russian rocket stage was not intended to reenter the Earth's atmosphere in this way.
"It was meant to end up in an orbit where it would stay for many thousands of years. The rocket failed to restart. The Chinese stage reentry was by DESIGN, they deliberately left it in a low orbit."
He said the rocket stage would reenter between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Russia's space agency Roscosmos told CNN the launch was operated by the Russian Ministry of Defence, which did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/05/world/russia-rocket-uncontrolled-reentry-scn/index.html
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