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Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what might be falling back down? For one Florida resident, that question became a terrifying reality after a chunk of metal believed to be from the International Space Station (ISS) crashed through his roof and nearly struck his son!
The Incident:
Alejandro Otero of Naples, Florida, claims a cylindrical object tore through his house, leaving a two-story hole. Luckily, his son wasn’t seriously injured. Experts believe the object could be a piece of the massive EP-9 equipment pallet jettisoned from the ISS in early March.
What is the EP-9 Pallet?
This pallet, the largest object ever discarded from the ISS, was used to replace old batteries with new ones for the station’s solar power. After serving its purpose, it was cast off to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Space Junk: A Growing Problem
While most space debris meets a fiery end upon re-entry, the increasing amount of “space junk” orbiting Earth is a growing concern. There are nearly 30,000 objects larger than a softball whizzing around the planet at incredible speeds – a danger not just to spacecraft, but to us on the ground as well.
The Risk of Falling Debris:
Objects in low-Earth orbit eventually fall due to atmospheric drag. While most burn up completely, larger objects like the EP-9 pallet pose a serious threat. A recent report by the FAA warns that by 2035, uncontrolled re-entries could cause injury or death every two years!
What’s Next?
Otero is awaiting confirmation from NASA and seeking compensation for the damages. Experts like astronomer Jonathan McDowell agree: stricter protocols are needed to ensure spacecraft parts re-entering Earth’s atmosphere don’t become hazards. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing problem of space debris and the need for solutions to keep our skies safe.
Credit: X/@Alejandro0tero
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