Large Satellite Crash Poses Health, Environmental Risks

An out-of-control U.S. spy satellite will crash to Earth in coming weeks and, depending on what survives its re-entry into the atmosphere, could pose a major danger. Since its launch in 2006, the satellite has not been responsive, the New York Times reports, and is slowly drifting nearer and nearer to Earth.

Debris could pose a danger if it lands in an inhabited area. Satellite debris crashes back to Earth every few months but most impacts have occurred in remote areas thus far. "One could say we've been lucky so far," astronomer Jonathan McDowell told the Times.

Even more worrisome, the satellite still bears its full complement of dangerous hydrazine fuel, though it is likely that the fuel tank will rupture and the fuel burn away during re-entry. It also likely bears other toxic components, such as beryllium in optics equipment. "It's now just a matter of weeks before it falls out of orbit," McDowell added.

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