Large ROSAT satellite fragments to hit earth

ROSAT re-entry

"When the spacecraft re-enters the atmosphere at a speed of approximately 28,000 kilometres per hour (Note: that's 17398.39 Miles/hour (mph), the X-ray observatory will break up into fragments, some of which will burn up by the extreme heat. The latest studies reveal that it is possible that up to 30 individual pieces weighing a total of 1.7 tons may reach the surface of the Earth. The largest single fragment will probably be the telescope's mirror, which is very heat resistant and may weigh up to 1.7 tons. (note: that's 1.7 UK metric short tons, or 3803 pounds.)

The time and location of re-entry cannot be predicted precisely. At present, scientists expect the X-ray satellite, which completes an orbit around Earth  in about 90 minutes, to re-enter around between 22 and 23 October 2011 UTC. Currently, the re-entry date can only be calculated to within plus/minus one day. This time slot of uncertainty will be reduced as the date of re-entry approaches. However, even one day before re-entry, the estimate will only be accurate to within plus/minus five hours .All areas under the orbit of ROSAT, which extends to 53 degrees northern and southern latitude could be affected by its re-entry. The bulk of the debris will impact near the ground track of the satellite. However, isolated fragments could fall to Earth in a 80 kilometre wide path along the track."

Links:  http://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10432/620_read-830/

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