Spanish to English translation
NASA warns of falling a large satellite to Earth
Most of the equipment will be a thousand pieces in the atmosphere, but there is a risk that some components impact somewhere yet to be determined
ABC / MADRID
Day 12/09/2011 - 1:54 p.m.
NASA report on the risk of impact of UARS
The satellite UARS (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite) NASA's probe about 6.5 tons, will precipitate out of control with the Earth in late September or early October, nearly six years after it is terminated his scientific life. The U.S. space agency has warned that, although most of the ship will break into pieces during its entry into Earth's atmosphere, not the entire team burst into the atmosphere and there is a risk, although this is minimal, that some pieces strike the Earth's surface. At the moment, it is unknown exactly where they will fall.
The satellite UARS was launched in 1991 from the shuttle Discovery to investigate the boundaries between space and our atmosphere and collect data on the damage caused to the ozone layer. The mission, with ten instruments on board, lasted for fifteen years, but 2005 ended and the satellite began slowly falling toward Earth.
NASA says the risk to the safety of people and property is "extremely small" and said that since the beginning of the Space Age in the late 50's, there are no reports of personal injury caused by space objects in your reentry to Earth. The disintegration will suffer when passing our atmosphere, the UARS should not cause a big accident in case of reaching a populated area. Chances are that it is sprayed. However, NASA does not rule out that some components can withstand the heat and impact against the surface. But where?
"If found, do not touch"
The agency recognizes that, for now, is not able to determine in what geographical area will produce the fall of the satellite, because its direction is constantly changing due to the resistance caused by solar radiation. NASA is following his path and provide information updated on its website, especially in the days before the fall.
A few days ago, the orbit of the satellite was located at an angle of 57 degrees. Any component that survives the fall atmosphere in an area between 57 degrees north latitude and 57 degrees latitude south of Ecuador , but it is impossible to pinpoint an exact location. The remains can be scattered over 500 miles.
If some components reaching impact, the agency launched a message of concern. " If you find something you think may be a piece of UARS, do not touch. Contact local authority for help. " Already know.
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