Space Debris Lands in Kenyan Village, According to Space Agency
A large metallic ring, suspected to be debris from space, crashed in a village in Kenya’s south on Monday, the country’s space agency said.
The Kenyan Space Agency (KSA) official stated that the partially burnt metallic object measures about 2.5 metres in diameter, weighs about 500 kilograms, and is most likely a fragment from a rocket.
Image: A piece of space debris, possible from a rocket, landed in a small Kenyan village.
Handout / Kenyan Space Agency
According to the space agency, "such objects are usually designed to burn up as they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere or to fall over unoccupied areas, such as the oceans."
Residents’ Shock and Fear
Residents of the village of Mukuku in Makueni County, southeast of Kenya’s capital Nairobi, described their shock and fear as the debris crashed to the ground. "I was looking after my cow and I heard a loud bang," said Joseph Mutua, a local resident. "I looked around; I could not see any smoke in the clouds. I went by the roadside to check if there was any car accident, but there wasn’t any collision."
International Space Law Investigation
The debris that fell in Kenya is being investigated under international space law, according to the KSA.
Global Concerns
Space debris and space junk are a growing problem, and last year the European Space Agency estimated there were more than 13,000 tons of material in low Earth orbit – about a third of it identified as space junk. The agency estimates that with approximately 110 new launches each year, plus at least 10 existing satellites and other objects breaking up in space yearly, the amount of space debris stands to increase.
Canadian Perspective
In Canada, the Canadian Space Agency told Global News it takes the issue of space debris "very seriously" and is working to ensure it doesn’t pose any "major risks" to Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is space debris?
Space debris refers to the remnants of man-made objects that are no longer in use or have broken apart, including rocket parts, satellites, and other space-related materials. - What is the impact of space debris on the environment?
Space debris can pose a risk to the environment and human safety, as it can cause damage to spacecraft, satellites, and even the International Space Station. - How is the issue of space debris being addressed?
International space agencies and organizations, such as the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, are working together to develop solutions to manage and mitigate the risks associated with space debris.
Conclusion
The incident in Kenya highlights the growing concern over space debris and its potential impact on the environment and human safety. As the number of launches and space-related activities increases, it is essential to address this issue to ensure the long-term sustainability of space exploration and use.
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