Chinese Space Station Tiangong-1 is in freefall in space and could crash to Earth in days, according to experts.
The satellite was launched in 2011 and should have come back down to Earth in the ocean in a controlled crash. But astronomers believe China is losing control of it and it could crash at any time and anywhere.
Thomas Dorman, who has been watching the movement of the satellite, told Space.com that China’s radio silence on the issue could mean that it is lost.
“If I am right, China will wait until the last minute to let the world know it has a problem with their space station,” he said.
Like other lost satellites, it’s likely that the freefalling station would burn up on its way back into Earth and come back down as molten metal rather than with a big crash.
But the size of the satellite could mean that parts could still make their way through the searing heat of entry back into the atmosphere and cause problems when they arrive back on Earth.
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
