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3.5 Ton Satellite to Crash Back to Earth

Posted by chrisd on from the guess-my-pellet-gun-was-more-powerfull-than-I-thought dept.

DeadBugs writes "CNN is reporting that the NASA Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer could crash back to earth in a matter of days. It's estimated that up to 9 large pieces (4-100 lbs.) of the Satellite could survive re-entry. Unlike the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory that was guided in, this Satellite will be uncontrolled. The EUVE has only been up there since 1992.... I wonder when this sort of thing will start to be a more common event."

7 of 323 comments (clear)

  1. You just know... by AltGrendel · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...that some joker will have a piece of it up for auction on e-bay before the derbis has cooled.

    --
    The simple truth is that interstellar distances will not fit into the human imagination

    - Douglas Adams

  2. Considering there are 7000 objects in orbit by MikeLRoy · · Score: 5, Funny

    This is likely to become far more common. More and more old satellites are being shut down, and people tend to spend their satellite funding on running and using the satellite, not bringing it down safely. Maybe i should start selling insurance....

    --
    -Michael Roy Some people are like Slinkies. Not really useful, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down
  3. Free Taco? by toupsie · · Score: 5, Funny

    I missed out last time, I suggest this time that Taco Bell uses a target the size of Rhode Island. I really, really want a Taco.

    --
    Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.
  4. Re:first post by The+Original+Bobski · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not yet. It is falling without thrusters or any way to move itself. Only time will tell it's exact trajectory.

    Oh, great. Time to dust off the old SkyLab Detector hat.

    --
    satire, n: 1) witty language used to convey insults or scorn; 2) a form of humor lost on most slashdot moderators.
  5. No need for worry by Toomel · · Score: 5, Funny

    Its okay guys..really. Bruce Willis and his buddies are training right now. There is no cause for worry!

  6. Hmm. could make wishing hazardous by PsiPsiStar · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... starlight, starbright, first star I see toni ... *thud*

    --

    ___
    It's the end of my comment as I know it and I feel fine.
  7. Magic word: disclaimer by BlowCat · · Score: 5, Funny
    This satellite is provided by its designers "as is" and any expressed or implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are disclaimed.

    In no event shall the designers of the satellite be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption; destruction of cities, countries, continents; death of all humans) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this satellite, even if advised of the possibility of such damage.