6 tons, but officials might never be able to pinpoint exactly where a massive NASA satellite plummeted to Earth.NASA space junk scientists think that all — or nearly all — of the dead, 20-year-old satellite safely plunged into the Pacific Ocean. But if their estimates are off, by only five minutes or so, pieces could have fallen on parts of northwestern North America.
NASA space junk scientists said Saturday they believe that all - or nearly all - of the parts of their 20-year-old decommissioned satellite safely plunged into the Pacific Ocean, likely missing land. But if their estimates are off, by only five minutes or so, fiery pieces could have fallen on parts of Northwestern North America.
No injuries or damage were reported on land, which NASA officials said was a good indication the satellite went into the ocean. NASA's earlier calculations had predicted that the former climate research satellite would fall over a 500-mile swath and could include land. Officials said the 35-foot satellite fell sometime between 11:23 p.m. EDT Friday and 1:09 a.m. EDT Saturday.
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Much of the speculation focused on unconfirmed reports and even video of debris from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite over Alberta. NASA spokesman Steve Cole said that was possible because the last track for the satellite included Canada. About 26 pieces of the satellite representing 1,200 pounds of heavy metal had been expected to rain down somewhere. The biggest surviving chunk should be no more than 300 pounds.NASA urges anyone who thinks they've found satellite debris to call police. It's government property and illegal to keep it or try to sell it. The debris has no toxic contamination, but there could be sharp edges, NASA officials have said.
NASA space junk scientists said Saturday they believe that all - or nearly all - of the parts of their 20-year-old decommissioned satellite safely plunged into the Pacific Ocean, likely missing land. But if their estimates are off, by only five minutes or so, fiery pieces could have fallen on parts of Northwestern North America.
No injuries or damage were reported on land, which NASA officials said was a good indication the satellite went into the ocean. NASA's earlier calculations had predicted that the former climate research satellite would fall over a 500-mile swath and could include land. Officials said the 35-foot satellite fell sometime between 11:23 p.m. EDT Friday and 1:09 a.m. EDT Saturday.
Video Footage:
Much of the speculation focused on unconfirmed reports and even video of debris from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite over Alberta. NASA spokesman Steve Cole said that was possible because the last track for the satellite included Canada. About 26 pieces of the satellite representing 1,200 pounds of heavy metal had been expected to rain down somewhere. The biggest surviving chunk should be no more than 300 pounds.NASA urges anyone who thinks they've found satellite debris to call police. It's government property and illegal to keep it or try to sell it. The debris has no toxic contamination, but there could be sharp edges, NASA officials have said.